ABSTRACT
Several epidemiological studies have indicated factors such as Leptin level, Adiponectin and plasma leptin -to-adiponectin index to be the predicting biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. Given the importance of healthy nutrition and adequate exercise in reducing the risk of Atherosclerosis, this study aimed to investigate the effects of fasting and aerobic exercise on the level of leptin and adiponectin in overweight women. In this study, 27 overweight and obese women with the body mass index [BMI] of >/=25 kg/m2 and the age range of 45-20 years were selected by targeted sampling and were divided into two groups of fasting accompanied with aerobic exercise [N=15], and fasting only [N=12]. The active group had an exercise protocol including three 60-minute sessions of aerobic exercise per week, with a 50% to 65% of heart rate reserve. Anthropometric dimensions and blood levels of leptin and adiponectin were measured in all the subjects before, at the second week and the fourth week and one week after Ramadan. Data were analyzed using repeated measures and the significance level of P
ABSTRACT
Considering the fact that cesarean section [c-section] poses greater risks of maternal and neonatal complications, compared to vaginal delivery, scholars seek different strategies to decrease the prevalence of this surgical procedure. Birth ball exercises during pregnancy are among the proposed strategies. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of using birth ball during pregnancy on mode of delivery in primiparous women. This clinical trial was conducted on 54 women, referring to the maternity ward of Omolbanin Hospital. Subjects were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group performed birth ball exercises for 4-6 weeks; on the other hand, the control group only received routine care. Data were collected using questionnaires, forms of examination and observation, and checklists for recording exercise movements on a weekly basis. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were performed, using SPSS version 16. Rates of vaginal delivery and c-section in the intervention group were 92.6% and 7.4%, respectively, while the corresponding values in the control group were 66.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Chi-square showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of mode of delivery [P=0.018]. Considering the significance of promoting vaginal delivery among women, performing birth ball exercises is recommended as a useful, non-pharmacological, and inexpensive strategy for reducing c-section rate
ABSTRACT
Increased levels of certain markers like fibrinogen and Homocysteine are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Considering the numerous favorable effects of healthful nutrition and physical activity on reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, in this study we intend to take into account fasting and physical activity during the month of Ramadan and their impacts on Homocysteine and fibrinogen concentrations in overweight women. In this experiment, 22 overweight and obese women with a body mass index [BMI] of greater than 25 kg/m² aging from 20 to 45 years were enrolled into two groups by means of targeted-sampling method. One group involved fasting accompanied with regular physical activity [12 subjects] and the other group involved only fasting [10 subjects]. The protocol for the physical activity group consisted of three 60-minute sessions of aerobic exercise per week with a 50% to 65% of heart rate reserve. Towards the end of Ramadan, the anthropometric and blood levels of Homocysteine and fibrinogen were closely measured. Data were analyzed using repeated measures and the significance level of P