Effectiveness of physical exercise to decrease sexual dysfunction in adults with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

Review question/objective This systematic review aims to identify, appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of physical exercise interventions on sexual function in adult patients with cardiovascular disease and sexual dysfunction. More specifically, the review question is: What is the effectiveness of physical exercise intervention compared to usual care or a non-physical exercise intervention in reduction of sexual dysfunction in adult patients with cardiovascular disease and sexual dysfunction? Inclusion criteria Types of participants This review will consider studies that include male and female patients with cardiovascular disease over the age of 18 years, with sexual dysfunction measured by a validated and reliable instrument or by a decrease in the level of sexual activity. Types of intervention This review will consider studies that evaluate the effect of any physical exercise intervention. Physical interventions will include exercise training interventions such as, for example, aerobic exercise, bicycle exercise, running exercise or individually designed exercise interventions or a combination of these. Comparator It is anticipated that the effect of any physical exercise intervention will be compared with a control group that did not receive any physical exercise intervention, or received usual care. Types of outcomes The outcome measure will be change in sexual function measured by validated and reliable instruments such as self-reported questionnaires that cover male or female sexual dysfunction. Additionally, outcome measures such as percentage improvement in sexual activity measured as number of activities before and after the intervention will be considered.