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Abstract

Sexual activity is often associated with a negative influence on physical performance. Likewise, sexual abstinence before a sport activity is not only a recent trend. Although scientific data points to none or small effect. On the other hand, testosterone levels could be positive affected by sexual restraint. This pilot study aims to test a complex research approach to measuring effect of sexual abstinence on sport performance in combative sports. Sample consists of two athletes aged 26 years. The length of the relationships with their partners was 4±1.4 years. Both were tested three times in the ten days. Testing protocol included blood sample (testosterone level), hand dynamometry, Wingate test, YMCA bench press test, reactometry and determination test. Supplementing qualitative data was collected through daily record form and closing interview. Period of sexual restraint lasted one week. Although there is no united trend, results show some changes in physical and psychical abilities in both cases. Also changes in sexual fantasy, spontaneous arousal and appetence, moods or concentration were reported by participants. This pilot study uses a comprehensive design and suggest new ways for future research, which is needed due to lack of empirical data in this issue.

The influence of sexual activity on athletic performance: a systematic review and meta-analyses

“…We contacted the sole surviving individual that was involved in that study (J.C. Yurick) but he was unable to find the raw data as the study was conducted over 50 years ago 48 . Thus, nine crossover studies totaling 132 male subjects and one female subject were used in this meta-analysis 16 , 41 , 43 – 45 , 47 , 49 – 51 (Table S2 ). All studies measured physical fitness outcomes in healthy, physically active men.…”

“… 52 . The correlation coefficients between both sexual activity and abstinence conditions for these two studies, including Vajda and Reguli 51 , were estimated as the value provided by Zavorsky et al . 45 (Table S3 ).…”

“… 52 , and Navarro 43 , based on the average correlation coefficient of 0.78 between sexual activity and abstinence conditions. The 0.78 correlation coefficient, including Vajda and Reguli 51 , was estimated as the average four assessments from two studies 44 , 45 (Table S3 ).…”

“…There were two outcomes each for Zavorsky and Newton 44 (n = 10), Zavorsky et al . 45 (n = 7), and Vajda and Rejuli 51 (n = 2); thus, the standardized mean difference (SMD) and standard error of the SMD was averaged for each of these studies. The data demonstrate that muscular strength or power is unlikely affected by prior sexual activity or abstinence ( p = 0.57).…”

“…There were three outcomes for Zavorsky and Newton 44 (n = 10), four outcomes for Zavorsky et al . 45 (n = 7), three outcomes for Vajda and Rejuli 51 (n = 2), two outcomes for Valenti et al 52 (n = 12), and two outcomes for Navarro 43 (n = 10); thus, the average standardized mean difference (SMD) and standard error of the SMD was used for each study with multiple outcomes in this plot. The remaining studies had one outcome.…”