Abbas Saremi; Karim Zohrevandian; Mohammad Parastesh; Samira Khaleghi
Abstract
Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent among women and seriously impairs the quality of life. Urinary incontinence is believed to be associated with a decrease in estrogen and estrogen regeneration improves these signs. We conducted the present study to assess the effects of aquatic exercise ...
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Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent among women and seriously impairs the quality of life. Urinary incontinence is believed to be associated with a decrease in estrogen and estrogen regeneration improves these signs. We conducted the present study to assess the effects of aquatic exercise on multiple domains of urinary leakage and estradiol level in postmenopausal women. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 24 postmenopausal women with UI were selected from October to December 2019 in Arak, Iran. They were randomized into the aquatic exercise (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. Aquatic exercise was carried out at moderate intensity, three days per week for eight weeks in 33–34°C, swimming pool. The control group did not participate in a supervised program. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was used to assess urinary incontinence and blood samples were collected 48 hours before and after the last sessions of exercise training. In addition, UI-related practices and the use and modification of daily protection were examined. Estradiol was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA assay). The data were analyzed utilizing paired t test or Wilcoxon test in SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 56.77 years old; 78.6% were married and 58% were overweight. The ICIQ-SF score (P=0.03) as well as severity of urinary incontinence symptoms (P=0.05) in the exercise group improved significantly compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, no significant differences in estradiol level were observed between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Aquatic exercise was found to be beneficial and improved fitness and severity of urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women although this improvement occurred without changes in estrogen levels.
Abbas Saremi; Alireza Bahrami; Mohammad Parastesh; Mina Ranjbar
Abstract
Background: Identification of body mass and physical activity status in women may be helpful for improving their reproductive health. The purpose of the current research was to analyze and compare the body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level (PAL) among women with and without infertility. Methods: ...
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Background: Identification of body mass and physical activity status in women may be helpful for improving their reproductive health. The purpose of the current research was to analyze and compare the body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level (PAL) among women with and without infertility. Methods: This descriptive-analytical research was conducted on 150 infertile women who referred to therapeutic centers of Shahrekord to treat infertility and 150 fertile women using filed study method. Physical activity questionnaire was then filled in by these women. The height and weight were measured using Seca stadiometer and digital scale based on standard methods, and then, BMI was calculated and the values were compared. The Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze data and the significance level was considered p <0.05. Results: The physical activity score of infertile women was estimated to be low in this study that indicates sporting inactivity or very low PAL in subjects. The overall prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity in infertile subjects were 8.7%, 26.7%, 34.7%, and 30%, respectively. The frequency of overweight and obesity was reported to be significantly higher in these subjects. The physical activity score of fertile women was estimated to be medium, and the prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity in fertile subjects were 29.8%, 40.4%, 17.2%, and 11.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Results from the study emphasize the importance of body composition and creation of interest among women to do exercise and gain normal weight and keep it off to achieve healthy fertility