The Effect of Mindfulness and Pilates on Female Sexual Function

sexual dysfunction is common amongst women and is considered one of the important causes of divorce. The current research aims to investigate the effect of mindfulness and Pilates exercises on the amount of female sexual function. The current research is a semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design.

The current research participants consisted of 44 married women (mean age = 35.8 ± 5.1 years) with sexual dysfunction. They were selected as samples using the convenience sampling method. They were matched and divided into four groups: mindfulness, Pilates, combined exercises (mindfulness-Pilates), and control groups. Mindfulness and combined groups participated in mindfulness interventions for eight sessions (8 weeks, 1 session per week) and Pilates and combined groups performed Pilates exercises for 24 sessions (8 weeks, 3 sessions per week). During this period, the participants assigned to the no-intervention control group did their daily activities. Before and after intervention, data were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire.

Results from covariance analysis showed all three types of interventions have led to sexual function increase. However, combined exercises were more effective than the other two interventions.

Our findings suggest that Pilates and mindfulness exercises may improve sexual function in women with sexual dysfunction.