VIENNA (Reuters Health) - The results of a 2-year study at the Cologne University Medical Centre, Germany, suggests that specially designed physical exercises are often as effective as sildenafil (Viagra) in treating common causes of erectile dysfunction.

Basic research had suggested that certain pelvic muscles could help with erectile problems, so the researchers had expected their study to confirm the benefits of exercise, said researcher Professor Frank Sommer.

"But were surprised it was so effective," he told Reuters Health on Tuesday.

One hundred four men with mild to medium venous leakage or insufficiency of the veno-occlusive system, which the researchers believe to be the cause of up to 60% of cases of erectile dysfunction, were randomized to sildenafil, placebo or a course of exercise.

Overall, 80% of the men who exercised reported better erections, as did 74% of those taking sildenafil and 18% of the placebo group, the researchers found. The treatment effects were evaluated using the university's KEED (Kolner Erhebungsbogen der Erektilen Dysfunktion)--a standardized and validated self-assessment method.

The exercise programme was aimed at improving the blood supply around the pelvic diaphragm, buttocks and upper leg muscles by means of squatting and pelvic and leg lifts. Those who took part attended three weekly sessions of cycled exercises and relaxations.

Direct measurement of the blood flow necessary to maintain an erection showed substantial increases among men in the exercise group. Measurement of the rigidity of erections in the exercise group 3 months after the programme showed an average 46% improvement.

"Exercise is a realistic conservative treatment option in patients with mild to medium degrees of venous leakage or insufficiency of the veno-occlusive system," Professor Sommer concluded.

The findings, presented at the recent European Association of Urology, are now being prepared for publication.

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