The effect of physiotherapy in addition to testosterone replacement therapy on the efficiency of the motor system in men with hypogonadism.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze whether the addition of physiotherapy to testosterone replacement therapy provides added benefit in improving functional capacity of the motor system in men with hypogonadism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study involved 3 groups of subjects: group 1, healthy men (n=20); group 2, men with hypogonadism who underwent testosterone replacement therapy with physiotherapy (TRT+PT) (n=8); and group 3, men with hypogonadism who underwent testosterone replacement therapy alone (TRT) (n=10). Physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]) and body composition (X-SCAN analysis) were analyzed; the vertical jump test (Leonardo Mechanography®) was applied.

RESULTS

The application of testosterone replacement therapy together with physiotherapy for 6 months significantly increased the maximum and relative power of jump in the subjects in the TRT+PT group; however, in the TRT group, no statistically significant difference was observed. The maximum jump height for the subjects in the TRT+PT group significantly increased 6 months after the intervention; however, in the TRT group, this index remained unaltered. The lean body mass of the subjects in the TRT+PT group increased (P<0.05); however, in the TRT group, it did not change. The relative fat body mass in the TRT+PT group decreased significantly (P<0.05), but, in the TRT group, it had a tendency to increase, though insignificantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the application of testosterone replacement therapy together with physiotherapy (1 hour twice weekly) in men with hypogonadism may lead to earlier and better results in comparison with testosterone replacement therapy applied alone.