Men who take small steps are 40% more likely to have erectile dysfunction ‘because they have weaker pelvic muscles’
- A study measured men’s stride length and foot height from the floor
- Those with smaller steps struggled with impotence more often
- The researchers said pelvis muscle strength is linked to getting an erection
Men who take small steps are 40 per cent more likely to have erectile dysfunction because they have weaker pelvic muscles, scientists believe.
A study measured mens’ stride length and how far they lifted their feet from the ground while walking.
Those with smaller steps were more likely to struggle with impotence than those with long strides.
The researchers believe the strength of the muscles in the pelvis play a role in the ability to get an erection.
Men who take small steps are 40 per cent more likely to have erectile dysfunction because they have weaker pelvic muscles, scientists claim
Lead researcher Dr Shingo Hatakeyama, from Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan, said: ‘Muscle strength and flexibility of the pelvis and legs are key factors for erectile dysfunction.
‘We believe that both erectile dysfunction and small steps can be caused by weak pelvic muscles.’
The findings, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, come from a study on 324 men.
Their gait was measured by the length of each participant’s step and the height of their foot while walking.
For example, the two-step test measured the distance of two steps. It represents balance, flexibility, and muscle strength of the lower limbs and is used in Japan to assess a person’s risk of reduced mobility.
Erectile dysfunction was assessed with the 5-Item International Index of Erectile Function test.
Scores of 25–22 indicate no erectile dysfunction while 7–5 indicate severe erectile dysfunction.
The researchers divided the men into two groups – those with a low score of less than 16 and those with a score of more than 16.
Men with the smallest strides and the shortest lift off the ground were 40 per cent more likely to have erectile dysfunction.
The authors wrote: ‘Contraction of the pelvic floor muscles helps to maintain penile rigidity by preventing venous return
Professor Raj Persad, consultant urologist with Bristol Urology Associates, commented on the findings.
He said: ‘Stride may correlate with strength and libido and hence testosterone which drives sexual function.
‘Maybe a longer stride correlates with better blood vessel functioning or more confidence about sexual prowess.
‘Exercise is very much better for sexual functioning than a sedentary life but this also could correlate with stride length.’
Erectile dysfunction, of impotence, is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection adequate for sexual satisfaction.
It’s often caused by stress, tiredness, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol, and usually resolves itself, according to the NHS.
Decreased physical activity has also been found to be a risk factor for erectile dysfunction, with studies finding those who exercise often have a lesser likelihood of impotence.
Resistance training and combat sport training are thought to be useful to treat erectile dysfunction by enhancing testosterone levels, self-esteem, and stress management.