Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a physical training program (N.Teleki,F.Revnic,Geriatria VIII,1996) upon hypothalamo-hypophiseal -adrenal-gonadal axis, as well as upon erectile dysfunctions and depression in elderly men with/without physical activity
Design: Erectile dysfunction (E.D.) is an important health problem, being the most studied form of masculine sexual dysfunction. It has been established that E.D.and depression are frequently comorbid, and the relations between these two have different forms. Physical training can have a positive impact upon physical, as well as psychological and sexual health.
Materials and Methods: Our study has been done on 42 elderly men aged between 66-76 from the rehabilitation clinic, admitted for osteoarticular and postraumatic pathologies, able to perform a physical training program of 30 minutes every day 5 times/week for 16 weeks, and divided into two groups of 21 patients each: Group A (control, sexually active with physical activity) and Group B (sedentary, obese patients with depression and E.D.). Screening and evaluation of E.D. and depression has been done before and after training with autoevaluation questionares: IIEF and SHIM (IIEF 5) as well as with GDS. Evaluation of Testosterone, HGH, Cortisol, and HTSH before and after training has been done with 1234 DELFIA Spectrofluorimeter using Eu labelled kits from Pharmacial LKB.
Results: Our data pointed out that elderly sedentary and obese patients from Group B have a great score of depression associated with severe E.D.(SHIM<10/36)and low levels of testosterone and HGH and high levels of Cortisolin comparison with controls. After training a decrease in depression scores in Group B has been recorded accompanied by an improvement in sexual performance and self esteem associated with an increase in Testosterone and HGH and a decrease in Cortisol serum levels.
Conclusion: Physical training with its multiple aspects (cognitive, mental, socioafective) has a great impact upon reorganization of hypothalamo-thyroid-adrenal-gonadal axis in elderly men with E.D. associated with depression, connected with changes in many effector hormones secretion with a positive effect upon emotional well being, mental health, and an increase desire for sexual life. It brings about psychological adaptations responsible for high levels of general satisfaction upon autonomous longevity.
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