Comparison of Aerobic, Kegel, and Combined (Aerobics and Kegel) Exercise on Body Image, and Sexual and Marital Satisfaction in Obese Women

Aim and Obesity is the cause of many physical and psychological problems. The present study aimed to compare the effect of three methods of aerobic exercise, Kegel, and combinatorial (aerobic and Kegel), on body image, and sexual and marital satisfaction in obese women.
Methods and Materials: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design. 60 obese women with an age range of 35 to 40 years, and body mass index of higher than 30 kg/m2, were selected through convenience sampling method. They were randomly divided into three experimental groups of aerobic, Kegel, and combinatorial, and one control group. Experimental groups participated in their sports activities for eight weeks. The research tools consisted of Fisher Body Image, Yavari Sexual Satisfaction, and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. The validity and reliability of all four questionnaires had been examined and confirmed in Iran before.
Findings: The positive effects of all three exercises on sexual and marital satisfaction were approved using the covariance analysis. In addition, the effects of combined training on sexual and marital satisfaction were more than the other two method of practice. Aerobic and combined exercises improved body image, but the Kegel exercise did not have a significant effect on body image.
Physical activity is recommended to increase sexual and marital satisfaction in obese women.