Intense Activity Research Articles

Climate change and urban sprawl: Unveiling the escalating flood risks in river deltas with a deep dive into the GBM river delta

River deltas, such as the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) delta, are highly vulnerable to flooding, exacerbated by intense human activities and rapid urban growth. This study explores the evolution of urban flood risks in the GBM delta under the combined impacts of climate change and urban expansion. Unlike traditional assessments that focus on a single flood source, we consider multiple sources—coastal, fluvial, and pluvial. Our findings indicate that future urban expansion will significantly increase flood exposure, with a substantial rise in flood risk from all sources by the end of this century. Climate change is the main driver of increased coastal flood risks, while urban growth primarily amplifies fluvial, and pluvial flood risks. This highlights the urgent need for adaptive urban planning strategies to mitigate future flooding and support sustainable urban development. The extreme high emissions future scenario (SSP5–8.5) shows the largest urban growth and consequent flood risk, emphasizing the necessity for preemptive measures to mitigate future urban flooding. Our study provides crucial insights into flood risk dynamics in delta environments, aiding policymakers and planners in developing resilience strategies against escalating flood threats.

Isotemporal substitution analysis of the impact of sedentary behavior and physical activity on depression in Taiwanese older adults: A prospective study

Background and aimsResearch has shown that reducing sedentary behavior (SB) and increasing physical activity (PA) can lower depression risk in older adults. However, few studies have investigated the effect of reallocating sedentary time to PA on the incidence of depression in older populations. We examined the longitudinal associations of reallocating SB and PA to each other with the incidence of depression in older adults. MethodsCommunity-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older, capable of independent walking, were recruited through collaboration with outpatient services of a hospital at baseline (2020) and followed up after one year (2021). Baseline light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) intensities and SB were assessed using a triaxial accelerometer (GT3X+, ActiGraph). The incidence of depression after one year was identified using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Isotemporal models were used to estimate associations. ResultsA total of 167 participants (52.1% women) were included. Adjusted isotemporal models indicated that reallocating time in SB (OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.06, 1.21) and LPA (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.98) to MVPA was (marginally) associated with a lower risk of depression; in contrast, a higher risk of depression was found when reallocating MVPA time to SB (OR = 5.21, 95% CI = 0.95, 28.53) and LPA (OR = 6.11, 95% CI = 1.02, 36.63). No statistical evidence of the reallocation from SB to LPA on depressive symptoms. ConclusionThe findings suggest that public health initiatives promoting higher levels of PA with reduced sitting times may decrease the risk of geriatric depression. Clinicians and public health practitioners should consider the thresholds of PA intensity when developing strategies to mitigate depression risk among the older population. These findings require further corroboration by monitoring behavioral changes and clarifying context-specific behaviors in the associations.

Pain intensity, spine structure, and body composition in patients with acute discogenic lumbar radiculopathy

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the pain intensity, spine structure, and body composition according to functional disability levels in patients with acute discogenic lumbar radiculopathy (DLR). MethodsA total of 118 women (n = 83) and men (n = 35) patients with acute DLR (mean age: 51.87 ± 13.38 years) were included in the study. The function ability was measured with the Oswestry Disability Index, pain intensity was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale, spine structure was measured with the Spinal Mouse® device, and body composition was measured with the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis System. ResultsPatients with mild functional disability levels had significantly lower activity (p˂.001) and night pain intensity (p = 0.001) than patients with moderate, severe, and completely functional disability levels, and patients with completely functional disability levels had significantly higher rest pain intensity (p = 0.005) than patients with mild, moderate, and severe functional disability levels. Patients with mild functional disability levels had significantly better spine check scores (p = 0.001), posture (p = 0.005), and mobility (p = 0.003) than patients with moderate, severe, and completely functional disability levels. Patients with mild functional disability levels had significantly lower fat percentage (p = 0.032), and higher basal metabolic rate (p = 0.024) than patients with moderate, severe, and completely functional disability levels. ConclusionPain intensity, spinal structure, and body composition of acute DLR patients differ greatly according to their functional disability levels. Although it is known that the level of functional disability of patients is a result of the severity or prognosis of the disease, performing different treatment methods aimed at decreasing the functional disability level of patients by health professionals may be important in terms of coping with the disease.

Creating a digital approach for promoting physical activity in pediatric pulmonary hypertension: A framework for future interventions.

Children with pulmonary hypertension (PH) often demonstrate limited exercise capacity. Data support exercise as an effective nonpharmacologic intervention among adults with PH. However, data on exercise training in children and adolescents are limited, and characteristics of the optimal exercise program in pediatric PH have not been identified. Exercise programs may have multiple targets, including muscle deficits which are associated with exercise limitations in both adult and pediatric PH. Wearable accelerometer sensors measure physical activity volume and intensity in the naturalistic setting and can facilitate near continuous data transfer and bidirectional communication between patients and the study team when paired with informatics tools during exercise interventions. To address the knowledge gaps in exercise training in pediatric PH, we designed a prospective, single arm, nonrandomized pilot study to determine feasibility and preliminary estimates of efficacy of a 16-week home exercise intervention, targeting lower extremity muscle mass and enriched by wearable mobile health technology. The exercIse Training in pulmONary hypertEnsion (iTONE) trial includes (1) semistructured exercise prescriptions tailored to the participant's baseline level of activity and access to resources; (2) interval goal setting fostering self-efficacy; (3) real time monitoring of activity via wearable devices; (4) a digital platform enabling communication and feedback between participant and study team; (5) multiple avenues to assess participant safety. This pilot intervention will provide information on the digital infrastructure needed to conduct home-based exercise interventions in PH and will generate important preliminary data on the effect of exercise interventions in youth with chronic cardiorespiratory conditions to power larger studies in the future.

The activity advantage: Objective measurement of preoperative activity is associated with postoperative recovery and outcomes in patients undergoing surgery with gynecologic oncologists

ObjectiveTo examine the association between objectively-measured preoperative physical activity with postoperative outcomes and recovery milestones in patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgeries. MethodsProspective cohort study of patients undergoing surgery with gynecologic oncologists who wore wearable actigraphy rings before and after surgery from 03/2021–11/2023. Exposures encompassed preoperative activity intensity (moderate- and vigorous-intensity metabolic equivalent of task-minutes [MAVI MET-mins] over seven days) and level (average daily steps over seven days). Intensity was categorized as <500, 500–1000, and >1000 MAVI MET-mins; level categorized as <8000 and ≥8000 steps/day. Primary outcome was 30-day complications. Secondary outcomes included reaching postoperative goal (≥70% of recommended preoperative intensity and level thresholds) and return to baseline (≥70% of individual preoperative intensity and level). ResultsAmong 96 enrolled, 87 met inclusion criteria, which constituted 39% (n = 34) with <500 MET-mins and 56.3% (n = 49) with <8000 steps preoperatively. Those with <500 MET-mins and <8000 steps had higher ECOG scores (p = 0.042 & 0.037) and BMI (p = 0.049 & 0.002) vs those with higher activity; all other perioperative characteristics were similar between groups. Overall, 29.9% experienced a 30-day complication, 29.9% reached postoperative goal, and 64.4% returned to baseline. On multivariable models, higher activity was associated with lower odds of complications: 500–1000 MET-mins (OR = 0.26,95%CI = 0.07–0.92) and >1000 MET-mins (OR = 0.25,95%CI = 0.07–0.94) vs <500 MET-mins; ≥8000 steps (OR = 0.25,95%CI = 0.08–0.73) vs <8000 steps. Higher preoperative activity was associated fewer days to reach postoperative goal. ConclusionPatients with high preoperative activity are associated with fewer postoperative complications and faster attainment of recovery milestones. Physical activity may be considered a modifiable risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes.

Human activities are intensifying the spatial variation of landslides in the Yellow River Basin

Human activities are a triggering factor for landslides in the Yellow River Basin (YRB, China). However, the extent to which the spatial distribution of landslides is affected by human activities is unclear. We constructed a human activity intensity index (HAII) based on nighttime light data and land cover data. Regression and dominance analyses were used to compare the effects of the HAII, precipitation, distance to river, distance to fault, topographic relief and slope on the landslides spatial density (LSD). The results showed that in the YRB, the HAII, as a dominance influencing factor, had a significant positive influence on the LSD. Moreover, regional differences in the human disturbance of nature intensify the spatial variation of LSD. To quantify the intensity of human disturbance to nature, a human-nature conflict index (HNCI) is constructed by quantifying the difference between the slope distributions of artificial and natural landscapes. The results show that in the middle section of the YRB, humans are developing more steep mountainous areas, leading to more dense landslides. This study provides a reference for landslide risk management and land use planning in the YRB.

MAXIMAL AEROBIC CAPACITY (VO2max): A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

Background. The ability to perform extended, intense activity and the combined capacity of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are known as cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF), also referred to as maximal aerobic power. It typically reported as VO2 max. Aim: To investigate the maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) in young adults. Materials and methods. This observational research was done on 100 seemingly healthy 18-25-year-old individuals at the RUHS College of Medical Sciences in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Maximal Aerobic Capacity was assessed by analyzing the gases involved in pulmonary ventilation directly while completing exercise stress test on treadmill using various protocols. Results. The VO2 max and tidal volume had a weak positive association (r = 0.345). There was a weak positive association between VO2 max and tidal volume in male (r = 0.128) and female (r = 0.039) respectively. There was a weak negative association between VO2 max and oxygen saturation in male individuals (r = -0.216) and female individuals (r = -0.059). There was a weak positive relationship between VO2 max and GPAQ in both male (r = 0.009) and female (r = 0.065) participants. Conclusion. Both male and female individuals had a weak positive correlation between VO2 max and tidal volume, but a weak negative correlation for O2 saturation, which was caused by increased oxygen demand during exercise. There was a weak positive correlation between VO2 max and GPAQ. This concluded weak but statistically non- significant relationship of daily physical activity with VO2 max and GPAQ.

Geospatial Assessment of Impacts of Sand Mining Activities in Zanzibar

This study assessed the impacts of sand mining activities in Zanzibar by using geospatial technology, focusing on three villages in the North 'B' district of Unguja: Donge-Muwanda, Mchangani, and Misufini. Geospatial technology was employed, utilizing two distinct datasets to analyse the spatial extent of environmental degradation due to sand mining. The first dataset comprised of geographic coordinates of sampled mining sites, acquired through field survey by using the Global Positioning System (GPS). The second dataset involved satellite imagery obtained from the Google Earth application. These datasets were utilized to find the area, volume, and depth of mining sites and create three-dimensional (3D) models for each sand mining site by using ArcMap software and Surfer 19 software. The Google Earth images from 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 were utilized to determine changes in vegetation cover before and after the mining activities in the study area. The key finding of the study indicates that there is a high extent of environmental degradation caused by intensive sand mining activities, impacting both the community and environment in surrounding sand mining areas. The study suggests that the results should be used to emphasize the importance of existing policies, guidelines, and laws related to sand mining.

Geospatial Assessment of Impacts of Sand Mining Activities in Zanzibar

This study assessed the impacts of sand mining activities in Zanzibar by using geospatial technology, focusing on three villages in the North 'B' district of Unguja: Donge-Muwanda, Mchangani, and Misufini. Geospatial technology was employed, utilizing two distinct datasets to analyse the spatial extent of environmental degradation due to sand mining. The first dataset comprised of geographic coordinates of sampled mining sites, acquired through field survey by using the Global Positioning System (GPS). The second dataset involved satellite imagery obtained from the Google Earth application. These datasets were utilized to find the area, volume, and depth of mining sites and create three-dimensional (3D) models for each sand mining site by using ArcMap software and Surfer 19 software. The Google Earth images from 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 were utilized to determine changes in vegetation cover before and after the mining activities in the study area. The key finding of the study indicates that there is a high extent of environmental degradation caused by intensive sand mining activities, impacting both the community and environment in surrounding sand mining areas. The study suggests that the results should be used to emphasize the importance of existing policies, guidelines, and laws related to sand mining.

The efficacy of schema therapy on the inflammation severity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

The present study aimed to examine the efficacy of schema therapy on the severity of inflammation in RA patients. The research method was cohort entry and end of study. The research sample consisted of 30 RA patients meeting the study's inclusion criteria selected through purposeful sampling. The intervention method in this research was schema therapy based on Rizzo, Tweet, Stein, and Young's (2007) model. Descriptive statistics indicators were used to describe the research data, and inferential statistics indicators, including repeated measures analysis of variance, were used to analyze data. The results showed that 16 people (53.3%) were women and 14 (46.7%) were men, i.e., the ratio of males and females in the experimental and control groups was the same. The age range of the two research groups was between 27 and 61 years. The results showed that there is a significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) between the average scores of disease activity intensity and inflammation intensity in the stages before and after the intervention and follow-up, which means that the intensity of disease activity and inflammation intensity in the experimental group significantly You have decreased. On the other hand, the lack of post-test-follow-up difference in inflammation intensity scores (P &gt; 0.05) showed that the effectiveness of schema therapy on the inflammation intensity of patients with RA was stable. It is suggested that in the country's health care system policy, plans should be made to use schema therapy to reduce the patient's pain.

Idiosyncratic nature of lactation reveals link to breast cancer risk.

Breastfeeding protects against breast cancer in some women but not others, however the mechanism remains elusive. Lactation requires intense secretory activity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for the production of milk proteins and ER-mitochondria contacts for lipid synthesis. We show that in female mice that share the same nuclear genome (BL/6) but differ in mitochondrial genomes (C57 or NZB), the biological processes engaged during lactation are entirely different at the sub-cellular organization and transcriptional levels resulting in anti-tumorigenic lactation in BL/6C57 females and pro-tumorigenic lactation in BL/6NZB females. Single cell sequencing identified a sub-population of cells, uniquely amplified during lactation in BL/6NZB females, which shares the genetic signature that characterizes post-partum breast cancer (PPBC) in humans relative to matched breast cancers in never pregnant women. Our data indicate that differences in ER and mitochondrial-stress responses during lactation between genotypes inadvertently leads to loss of p53 tumor suppressor function in BL/6NZB females allowing the expansion of the PPBC-like sub-population of cells. Overall, our data reveals the unexpected idiosyncratic nature of lactation and its impacts on the risk of the development of PPBC.

Аномальный грозовой процесс на территории Ростовской области

The work examines the anomalous thunderstorm process that occurred on the territory of the Rostov region on June 27, 2023. This thunderstorm process was observed in other regions of the North Caucasus, but the greatest intensity of thunderstorm activity was observed in the territory of the Rostov region, where the thunderstorm lasted more than a day. The analysis of thunderstorm activity was carried out using data from the lightning direction network of the Federal State Budgetary Institution &amp;quot;High Mountain Geophysical Institute&amp;quot;. During the day, about 60,000 lightning strikes were recorded in this territory, of which 7,635 were ground strikes. Of the registered 7635 ground-based lightning discharges in the Rostov region, negative lightning amounted to 6625, and positive lightning – 1010. The share of negative lightning discharges from the total number of ground-based lightning discharges in the specified territory was 87 %. The largest number of negative lightning (more than 70 %) had values up to 20 kA. More than 50 % of positive lightning discharges had values from 21 to 40 kA. The average value of the negative polarity currents was -19.19 kA, and the positive polarity was +39.7 kA. Such a large-scale thunderstorm process is a consequence of regional climate change. When carrying out lightning protection measures for facilities in the Rostov region, it is recommended to take into account abnormal values of thunderstorm activity.

Implementación de un Sistema de gestión de la información de ventas aplicando inteligencia de negocios en las PYMES del cantón La Maná

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential to the global economy, promoting employment, innovation and sustainable development. Effective sales information management is critical to your success, involving the collection, storage, analysis and application of data about customers, products, distribution channels, prices and market trends. Proper management of this data allows SMEs to understand customer demands, identify market opportunities and optimize their sales strategies.However, SMEs face significant challenges in this area, such as technological limitations, budget constraints and data complexity, which can lead to manual processes, lack of visibility in the supply chain and loss of competitiveness. The research carried out in the La Maná canton, in Cotopaxi, Ecuador, supports the implementation of a sales information management system due to its intense commercial activity and the presence of SMEs in sectors such as agriculture and commerce.The study adopted a mixed methodology, which combined literature review and field research, using inductive and deductive approaches. Managers, administrators and workers from two companies were surveyed. The results indicate that this methodology is effective in achieving the research objectives, underscoring the importance of integrating various methodologies to obtain a complete understanding of the topic

Implementación de un Sistema de gestión de la información de ventas aplicando inteligencia de negocios en las PYMES del cantón La Maná

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential to the global economy, promoting employment, innovation and sustainable development. Effective sales information management is critical to your success, involving the collection, storage, analysis and application of data about customers, products, distribution channels, prices and market trends. Proper management of this data allows SMEs to understand customer demands, identify market opportunities and optimize their sales strategies.However, SMEs face significant challenges in this area, such as technological limitations, budget constraints and data complexity, which can lead to manual processes, lack of visibility in the supply chain and loss of competitiveness. The research carried out in the La Maná canton, in Cotopaxi, Ecuador, supports the implementation of a sales information management system due to its intense commercial activity and the presence of SMEs in sectors such as agriculture and commerce.The study adopted a mixed methodology, which combined literature review and field research, using inductive and deductive approaches. Managers, administrators and workers from two companies were surveyed. The results indicate that this methodology is effective in achieving the research objectives, underscoring the importance of integrating various methodologies to obtain a complete understanding of the topic

The Potential Benefits of Acute Aronia Juice Supplementation on Physical Activity Induced Alterations of the Serum Protein Profiles in Recreational Runners: A Pilot Study.

Intensive physical activity (PA) can lead to proteinuria and, consequently, serum protein profiles in athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute aronia juice consumption before a simulated half-marathon race on serum protein profiles in recreational runners. The pilot study was designed as a single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, with 10 male participants who consumed aronia juice (containing 1.3 g polyphenols) or placebo before the race. The blood levels of total proteins, albumin, the non-albumin fractions gamma, beta, alpha2 and alpha1, as well as renal function parameters, were determined before and 15 min, 1 h and 24 h after the race. The significant changes in urea, creatinine and uric acid levels were noticed at selected time points in both groups. In the placebo group, a significant decrease in total proteins (p < 0.05) was observed 24 h after the race, along with an increase in gamma fraction abundance (p < 0.05). In addition, urea and uric acid levels returned to baseline only in the aronia group 24 h after the race. Thus, according to the results obtained, acute aronia juice supplementation before intensive PA could influence the transient change in renal function and PA-induced protein loss in recreational runners.

Influence of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Level of Physical Activity with Liver Steatosis in People Aged > 50 Years and with a BMI > 25 kg/m2: Association with Biochemical Markers.

The main objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of different biochemical markers of hepatic steatosis and to correlate liver steatosis with adherence to the Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity. A cross-sectional study was carried out, including subjects over 50 years of age, with a BMI > 25 kg/m2, but excluding any patient with documented hepatic pathology other than hepatic steatosis. Participants were divided into two groups: patients with hepatic steatosis diagnosed by ultrasound (SG) and a control group of individuals without hepatic steatosis (CG). The level of physical activity was recorded by the IPAQ-SF questionnaire and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet was recorded using the PREDIMED questionnaire. Biochemical markers analyzed included the Hepatic steatosis index (HSI), AST-to-Platelet ratio (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4). A total of 116 patients were included, 71 belonging to the SG and 45 to the CG. A total of 58.6% of the patients showed low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, 35.4% moderate adherence and 6% high adherence. The median estimated physical activity was 495 METS, with most participants reporting light activity. In the SG, significantly higher HSI values were observed (p < 0.001). A cut-off point of a HSI of 40 was established, with a sensitivity of 73.2% and a specificity of 65.8%. Significantly higher FIB-4 values (p = 0.039) were also observed in the SG. A cut-off point of FIB-4 was set at 0.27, with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 57.9%. Patients in the SG showed lower scores in the PREDIMED. Patients in the SG tended to show lower METS scores. However, the higher number of patients with intense activity in the CG group stands out (p = 0.008). The HSI and FIB-4 showed a significant correlation with liver steatosis. Hepatic steatosis is associated with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet and patients with hepatic steatosis tended to have lower METS scores.

Study on the Removal Effect of 3DEPs on Microplastics in Groundwater and Desalination Mechanism

Owing to water scarcity, groundwater quality has become an important constraint on sustainable regional development, especially in coastal areas. Coastal groundwater is subject to natural conditions and intense human activities, and the evolution of water quality is extremely complex, with the possibility of seawater intrusion into the groundwater, leading to the salinisation of freshwater aquifers. At present, the commonly used methods for removing groundwater pollution include coagulation, adsorption, biological method, membrane technology, etc., among which the coagulation method is more commonly used. At present, three-dimensional electrode electrochemical technology is widely used in high salinity organic wastewater and many organic wastewaters, but there are few studies related to microplastic removal by three-dimensional electrode electrochemical technology using metallic aluminium particles as particle electrodes. The treatment of microplastics in coastal groundwater is a relatively novel issue, and with the increasing application of three-dimensional electrochemical technology in the study of desalination, the three-dimensional electrode electrochemical technology will be promising due to the high salinity of coastal groundwater, the increasingly serious pollution of microplastics, and the fluctuation of water quality and quantity.

Arabic Language Teaching in Arabic Preparatory Schools

This study aims to highlight, describe and analyse the experiment conducted at the Arabic Preparatory School for Girls in Bandar Seri Begawan (SPABSB) and explore how it can be utilised to improve the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. The Arabic school in Brunei seeks to leverage modern theories and methods of language teaching. The school established a committee to oversee all aspects related to the Arabic language. This committee aims to enhance Arabic language instruction by mandating that all teachers of Arabic language and religious studies, as well as students, communicate in Arabic. They additionally translated posters and publications into Arabic, while arranging professional development events to educate teachers on language teaching theories and methods. They develop class activity books and materials for extensive Arabic practice both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, they organise various intensive learning activities to promote Arabic language usage, such as competitions encompassing plays, speeches, group presentations, calligraphy, and singing in Arabic. They also initiated numerous activities aimed at teaching Arabic culture, including Arabic festivals, expeditions, Arabic Week, and open days. The school encourages the use of Arabic language in all activities and events. This study found that the approach adopted by the (SPABSB) serves as a valid model for other newly established schools. It emphasises a balance between extracurricular activities organised by the administration and academic pursuits within the classroom. It suggests the integration of Arabic language use both inside and outside the classroom, highlighting that traditional classroom teaching alone may not suffice to enhance Arabic language proficiency and develop students' skills

Sustainable Lignin-Reinforced Chitosan Membranes for Efficient Cr(VI) Water Remediation.

The pollution of aquatic environments is a growing problem linked to population growth and intense anthropogenic activities. Because of their potential impact on human health and the environment, special attention is paid to contaminants of emerging concern, namely heavy metals. Thus, this work proposes the use of naturally derived materials capable of adsorbing chromium (VI) (Cr(VI)), a contaminant known for its potential toxicity and carcinogenic effects, providing a sustainable alternative for water remediation. For this purpose, membranes based on chitosan (CS) and chitosan/Kraft lignin (CS/KL) with different percentages of lignin (0.01 and 0.05 g) were developed using the solvent casting technique. The introduction of lignin imparts mechanical strength and reduces swelling in pristine chitosan. The CS and CS/0.01 KL membranes performed excellently, removing Cr(VI) at an initial 5 mg/L concentration. After 5 h of contact time, they showed about 100% removal. The adsorption process was analyzed using the pseudo-first-order model, and the interaction between the polymer matrix and the contaminant was attributed to electrostatic interactions. Therefore, CS and CS/KL membranes could be low-cost and efficient adsorbents for heavy metals in wastewater treatment applications.

The association of back pain with physical inactivity and hypothyroidism in pregnant women.

During pregnancy, structural and functional changes usually occur in the body, which has various consequences, including lower back pain (LBP) and hypothyroidism. One of the risk factors for these problems is physical inactivity. This study aimed to investigate the association of back pain and physical inactivity, weight gain, and hypothyroidism in pregnant women. In this cohort study, 420 pregnant women (26.333 ± 5.820 years old) were included. At first, participants answered this question: "Do you have any plans for pregnancy in the next month?" If the answer was yes, further evaluations were performed. The physical activity and pain intensity were measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-S) and Visual Analogue Scale. Serum TSH was measured by automated chemiluminescence and commercial kits. Measurements were conducted before, the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy. Women reporting LBP were less engaged in physical activities and weight gained in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy was significantly higher than pregnant women without LBP (p< 0.05). TSH level and weight gained in pregnant women with low physical activity level was significantly higher than pregnant women with moderate and high physical activity (p< 0.05) (without significant difference in TSH and BMI). The physical inactivity (before: OR: 1.11 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.22; first trimester: OR: 1.09 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.59; second trimester: OR: 0.92 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.31; third trimester: OR: 1.12 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.39), TSH (OR: 0.85 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.29), and weight gain (second trimester: OR: 0.87 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.59; third trimester: OR: 1.44 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.98; p< 0.05) did predict increased pain intensity. Using health-oriented approaches to increase physical activity and normalize thyroid function and weight gain during pregnancy can have beneficial effects on LBP.