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An update on the implication of physical activity on semen quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to clarify whether physical activity may be associated with semen quality, considering the different types of sports, their intensity, and the semen parameters studied in the literature.

Methods

Eligible studies included those that evaluated the impact of physical activity in semen parameters in human population. Outcomes evaluated included the following seminal quality parameters: volume, concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, total motile sperm count, morphology, and motile sperm concentration.

Results

We identified 32 manuscripts that analyzed this effect. Among them, 20 articles examined the role of general physical activity and 17 analyzed this relationship among specific sports. Although most results point to a lack of major effects of physical activity on semen quality, recreational physical activity could have a positive effect on semen concentration or progressive motility. On the contrary, elite physical activity could be detrimental for some semen parameters, such as progressive motility. Regarding specific sports, a negative effect of cycling on semen concentration is suggested.

Conclusions

In conclusion, recreational physical activity seems to be of benefit for men with infertility issues. However, elite physical activity could have a detrimental effect on semen quality, which should be taken into consideration.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Basque Government (IT989-16), and UPV/EHU (UFI11/35). JIP was supported by a predoctoral grant from the Basque Government. The funding source did not have any role in study design, collection, analysis and interpretation of data, writing of the report, or decision to submit the article for publication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940, Leioa, Spain

    Jone Ibañez-Perez, Borja Santos-Zorrozua, Elixabet Lopez-Lopez & Africa Garcia-Orad

  2. Human Reproduction Unit, Cruces University Hospital, Plaza Cruces s/n, 48903, Barakaldo, Spain

    Jone Ibañez-Perez & Roberto Matorras

  3. BioCruces Health Research Institute, Plaza Cruces s/n, 48903, Barakaldo, Spain

    Jone Ibañez-Perez, Elixabet Lopez-Lopez, Roberto Matorras & Africa Garcia-Orad

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  1. Jone Ibañez-Perez
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  2. Borja Santos-Zorrozua
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  3. Elixabet Lopez-Lopez
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  4. Roberto Matorras
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  5. Africa Garcia-Orad
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Contributions

AGO and RM contributed to the conception and design of the study. JIP and BSZ acquired and analyzed the data. JIP, ELL, and AGO interpreted the results and drafted the article. AGO acquired and administrated the funding. All authors have read, reviewed critically and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Africa Garcia-Orad.

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Ibañez-Perez, J., Santos-Zorrozua, B., Lopez-Lopez, E. et al. An update on the implication of physical activity on semen quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 299, 901–921 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-019-05045-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-019-05045-8

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