Background: A significant proportion of the global burden of disability and premature mortality has caused by hypertension. It seems that the relationship between obesity and hypertension is not only associated with excessive body fat mass (FM) but also with body adipose distribution patterns. The present study investigated the association between regional fat distribution using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and hypertension in older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using the data from Bushehr Elderly Health Program (BEH) on a total of 2419 participants aged 60 and over. Hypertension was defined as SBP of at least 140 mmHg and/or DBP of at least 90 mmHg. SBP between 120 and 139 mmHg and/or a DBP between 80 and 89 mmHg were considered prehypertension. Participants underwent body composition measurement by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to analyze FM, fat-free mass (FFM) in trunk and extremities composition. Results: The results showed that 460 (19.02%) of participants had prehypertension, and 1,818 (75.15% ) had hypertension. The odds of having prehypertension (OR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01–1.12) and hypertension (OR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.03–1.13) increased with a rise in total body FM percentage. Moreover, people with a higher FM to FFM ratio had increased odds of being prehypertensive (OR: 9.93, 95%CI: 1.28–76.99) and hypertensive (OR: 16.15, 95%CI: 2.47-105.52). Having a higher android to gynoid FM ratio was related to increased odds of being prehypertensive and hypertensive. Conclusions: This study showed that a higher body FM, particularly in the android region, is associated with higher odds of having hypertension in older adults.

Sleep disorder is a common problem in elderly women, which can cause problems and acute complications on society and the healthcare system, including reducing the quality of life. Exercise is a simple, low-cost, and effective way to improve sleep quality. The purpose of this study was to critically review the available literature on different types of physical activity that affect the sleep quality of elderly women to determine which type of physical activity can improve their sleep quality. A systematic search adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies that met the inclusion criteria was conducted in the databases of Google Scholar, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1, 2020, to March 18, 2024. One hundred and thirty-nine articles were retrieved, of which 13 randomised controlled trial studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings of these studies showed that performing various exercises, including water sports, resistance, aerobics, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Baduanjin exercises across varying intensities from low to high, can improve the quality of sleep of elderly women. Research indicates that diverse exercise programs tailored for elderly women can effectively enhance sleep quality and its associated aspects.

Background and objective: Dysmobility Syndrome (DS) is characterized as an accumulation of clinical risk factors for functional disability, such as osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity. Neurological disorders that affect the motor and sensory systems can also contribute to the condition, resulting in gait and muscle strength disturbances, as well as a history of falls and fractures. The study aimed to determine the association between fat distribution in different body areas and the odds of older adults developing DS, as there is still uncertainty about the accumulation of fat in which area is most closely linked to the condition.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted according to the data from the second phase of the Bushehr Elderly Health Cohort (BEH). Dysmobility Syndrome was defined based on the co-occurrence of at least three outcomes of its criteria. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and anthropometric studies. For evaluating the relationship, multivariate logistic regression and adjusted univariate linear regression were used.Results: Of 2,359 who were recruited in the study, 1,277 participants (54.13%) had DS. According to the final logistic regression model in the limb region, FM and FM to FFM ratios were significantly associated with DS [OR (95%CI) = 1.04 (1.02 to 1.05), and 3.42 (1.95 to 5.99), respectively]. Also, In the trunk region, the FM and FM to FFM ratio were significantly related to the odds of DS, although this relationship was weaker than in the limbs region [OR (95%CI) = 1.02 (1.00 to 1.03), and 2.45 (1.36 to 4.39), respectively].Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a higher regional and whole-body amount of fat mass rather than fat-free mass is closely linked to an increased risk of DS, particularly in the elderly population. Notably, higher fat mass in the limbs (especially in the legs) is associated with greater odds of DS, while a higher android-to-gynoid fat mass ratio is associated with lower DS risk. Screening fat mass distribution in older individuals can be a valuable strategy for promptly diagnosing DS, implementing interventions to prevent disabilities, and improving their quality of life.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) presents significant challenges for girls and women, affecting their physiological well-being. Engaging in physical activity and sports is a cost-effective and viable treatment for PMS symptoms. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review various studies and evaluate the effects of different sports on PMS. A systematic search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The search was performed in databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, from 2010 to March 2024. Among the 1,009 articles initially identified, only 20 RCTs met the inclusion criteria of this study. The findings revealed that various forms of aerobic exercise, stretching, yoga, swimming, combined exercise, pelvic rocking exercise, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) spinning bike exercises were effective in alleviating PMS-associated symptoms. These improvements encompassed mental and physical symptoms, Premenstrual Syndrome Questionnaire (PMSQ) scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score parameters, weight loss, heart rate, blood pressure, depression, mental disorders, mood, emotions, pain, and sleep quality. Despite the limitations of each study, the findings indicate that engaging in various forms of physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, and yoga, may alleviate both the physical and mental symptoms associated with PMS. However, further research is necessary to investigate additional dimensions of these effects.

Context: Sex hormones play a vital role in reproductive health and influence muscle function and metabolism. Exercise affects these hormones by raising testosterone levels and improving metabolic markers. However, the impact of team sports on female sex hormone levels remains understudied. Objectives: This review aims to systematically examine how sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, and handball influence female sex hormone levels. Evidence Acquisition: This systematic review was conducted without any restrictions on language, publication date, or study type, based on the guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses [preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA)] on Google Scholar, PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases on June 22, 2024. The search strategy utilized a combination of keywords and their synonyms from MeSH and Emtree-controlled vocabulary, including "Sex Hormone", "testosterone", "cortisol", "team sport", and "women." Results: Among the 690 articles identified, 11 were selected and used based on the inclusion criteria. Studies have shown that football, netball, volleyball, and handball have varying effects on testosterone and cortisol levels in athletes. Football generally increases both hormone levels, whereas netball often raises cortisol and lowers the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio. Volleyball tends to increase testosterone significantly, though with fluctuating trends, whereas handball mainly raises cortisol without a significant change in testosterone levels. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of the included studies, such as sample size, study design, data collection standards, reporting practices, and potential biases, this systematic review indicated that playing team sports like football, basketball (netball), volleyball, and handball can alter testosterone and cortisol levels in females. However, further research is needed to fully understand these hormonal changes' effects.

Progesterone is essential for pregnancy maintenance, but its effects on complications like intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia, prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), preterm birth, and placental abruption are still debated. This review investigates the effects of progesterone supplementation on Doppler ultrasound indices and pregnancy outcomes. To assess the efficacy of progesterone supplements in reducing pregnancy complications during the first and second trimesters using Doppler ultrasound indices. Databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to March 2024. Cohort, case–control, and clinical trials on progesterone supplementation in early to mid-pregnancy were included in the review. The primary outcomes were Doppler ultrasound indices, with secondary outcomes including preterm birth, IUGR, preeclampsia, PROM, and placental abruption. Nine studies with 2282 women were examined. Independent reviewers extracted data and assessed its quality, resolving discrepancies through consensus. Progesterone supplementation had varying effects on Doppler indices. There was no significant difference in uterine or umbilical artery Doppler indices, but some studies reported changes in fetal middle cerebral artery flow. Furthermore, there were no significant improvements in the rates of IUGR, preeclampsia, or PROM. Progesterone supplementation in early and mid-pregnancy may benefit certain subgroups, particularly those at risk of preterm birth. However, its overall effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes is unclear. More research using standardized progesterone regimens is needed to better understand its role in pregnancy management. Progesterone supplementation may help prevent preterm birth in high-risk populations, such as women with a short cervix. However, Doppler ultrasound findings should not be the sole factor in guiding its use. However, its role in improving other clinical outcomes, such as IUGR and preeclampsia, remains uncertain. Obstetricians should consider progesterone use as part of individualized treatment plans, particularly for women at high risk for preterm birth.