Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction is a little-addressed condition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Aerobic exercises, including walking, can help alleviate this dysfunction. This study aimed to determine the effect of an 8-week aerobic walking program on sexual function ine patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODOLOGY: This clinical trial was conducted on 51 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. At first, patients were selected through nonprobability sampling. They were then allocated into intervention and control groups using block randomization. The walking intervention was performed based on the frequency-intensity-time-type principle forg 8 consecutive weeks. Rosen's Female Sexual Function Index was used for data collection before, immediately after, and 4 weeks after the intervention. Data collected were analyzed with SPSS 22 using descriptive and inferential statistics and 95% CI. FINDINGS: Mean sexual function scores before, after, and 4 weeks after intervention were 17.66±4, 22.88±4.7, and 24.39±5.1 in the intervention group and 17.60±4.24, 17.27±4.66, and 17.39±4.39 in the control group, respectively. Test results showed a significant intergroup difference in mean sexual function score (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, an 8-week aerobic walking program is recommended as an effective way to improve sexual function in women with rheumatoid arthritis.