Actively Recruiting
Impact of Pilates Exercises on Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction
Led by Benha University · Updated on 2026-04-06
60
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
B
Benha University
Lead Sponsor
A
Ahram Canadian University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with diabetes, affecting over half of diabetic male patients. This research aims to evaluate the impact of Pilates exercises on diabetic erectile dysfunction, a condition that can cause sexual dissatisfaction and relationship distress. The study involves men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and ED, exploring Pilates as a potential alternative treatment by improving pelvic floor muscle function. The study compares two groups: one performing a Pilates protocol that includes 11 different Pilates postures done three times a week for 12 weeks, and the other group receiving pelvic floor muscle exercises taught by a physiotherapist with similar frequency and duration. The Pilates exercises focus on improving strength, flexibility, and muscle recruitment, while pelvic floor exercises emphasize muscle contractions to improve function. Participants will be involved for 12 weeks, attending 36 exercise sessions. Researchers will assess penile blood flow and erectile function using penile perfusion measurements and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scale at the beginning and end of the study. The study includes careful screening, monitoring, and follow-ups to evaluate changes in erectile function and muscle performance under supervised conditions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Impact of Pilates Exercises on Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male aged 40 to 60 years
- Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 1 year
- Clinical diagnosis of erectile dysfunction for 6 months or more, confirmed by IIEF-5 score
- Stable antidiabetic medications for at least 3 months before joining
- HbA1c level between 6.5% and 10.0%
- Sexually active or attempting sexual activity at least once a month and willing to engage during study
- Physically able and willing to participate in exercise sessions and provide consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe cardiovascular disease in the past 6 months (e.g., recent heart attack, unstable angina, heart failure, uncontrolled arrhythmia)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure despite treatment (systolic ≥180 mmHg or diastolic ≥110 mmHg)
- Severe peripheral vascular disease or serious orthopedic issues preventing safe exercise
- Pelvic surgery or radiation within the last 12 months affecting erectile function
- Neurogenic causes of erectile dysfunction unrelated to diabetes (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)
- Major psychiatric illness or severe cognitive problems affecting consent or compliance
- Current substance abuse or heavy alcohol use impacting sexual function or study compliance
- Severe low testosterone needing urgent treatment
- Active genitourinary infection or untreated severe sexual dysfunction other than ED
- Use of medications causing ED that cannot be stopped or stabilized
- Participation in similar pelvic floor or sexual function exercise programs
- Recent or planned changes in PDE5 inhibitor therapy within 4 weeks
- Any other medical condition judged unsafe or likely to affect study results by investigators
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants attend Pilates or pelvic floor muscle exercise sessions to improve diabetic erectile dysfunction.
3 exercise sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Outpatient clinic, faculty of Physical Therapy, Benha university
Banhā, Benha, Egypt
Actively Recruiting
2
Outpatient clinic, faculty of Physical Therapy, Ahram Canadian university
Giza, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Withdrawn
Research Team
M
Mahmoud Hamada Mohamed Associate Professor, Ph.D
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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