Alterations in grip strength during male sexual arousal

Chuanshu Jiao, University of Sydney,
Bulent Turman, Bond University
Patricia Weerakoon, University of Sydney,
Peter K. Knight, University of Sydney

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Submitted Version.

Jiao, C., Turman, B., Weerakoon, P., & Knight, P. (2006). Alterations in grip strength during male sexual arousal. International journal of impotence research: The journal of sexual medicine, 18(2), 206-209.

2006 HERDC submission

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© Copyright Chuanshu Jiao, Bulent Turman, Patricia Weerakoon, Peter K. Knight & The Nature Publishing Group, 2006.

Abstract

Although it is known that alterations in grip strength occur under a number of conditions, little is known about relationships between grip strength and sexual arousal. This relationship was investigated in 30 healthy heterosexual males, who viewed both erotic and non-erotic videos. A questionnaire was used to assess the extent of sexual arousal. The grip strengths of both hands were measured with a fiveposition (P1-P5) dynamometer, before and after watching the videos. After watching the erotic video there was a statistically significant reduction in grip strength for the P2 position, with non-significant overall reductions in grip strength for all other positions tested. No such effect was observed in control tests. The results indicate that during sexual arousal the brain is likely to reduce the output to muscles not directly related to sexual function, presumably to enhance the physiological responses of sexual arousal.