It is still not definitely resolved whether being physically active has any impact on the success of assisted reproduction treatment. To this end, this study used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-sf). Data from the IPAQ-sf were classified into three categories: low, moderate and high physical activity as defined by the IPAQ working group. The subjects in the study were grouped according to their physical activity levels during treatment. None of the subjects met the criteria for high physical activity. The low activity group consisted of 68 women whereas moderate activity group consisted of 63 women. The study showed that women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment significantly decreased their activity level during the treatment period (P<0.05). However, women who were physically more active were more likely to have an increased implantation rate and a live birth.

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The present study showed that women's physical activity may decline during ART treatment because of the misconception that pursuing their pre-treatment physical activity routine would decrease their chance of conceiving.

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between thigh skinfold measurement, hand grip strength, and trunk muscle endurance and compare this relationship in men and women. The current study included 200 healthy subjects (111 women and 89 men), with a mean age of 31.58+/-13.78 y. Trunk muscle endurance was evaluated with the use of curl-up, horizontal side bridge, and static back endurance tests. Significant differences were found between women and men in performance of the curl-up and horizontal side bridge tests (P<.05); however, no significant difference was found between the sexes in the static back endurance test scores (P>or=.05). The investigators discerned a significant negative correlation between thigh skinfold measurements and all trunk muscle endurance tests in female patients (curl-up, r=-.501; horizontal side bridge, r=-.454; static back, r=-.479; P<.05). A rather weak correlation was found in male patients (curl-up, r=-.348; horizontal side bridge, r=-.182; static back, r=-.330; P<.05). On the other hand, no significant correlation was found between hand grip strength and trunk muscle endurance test scores in female patients (P>or=.05), although a significant positive correlation was found in male patients in curl-up and side bridge test results (curl-up, r=.319; horizontal side bridge, r=.307; static back, r=.123; P<.05). The results of this study suggest that women have lower endurance test scores compared with men. The investigators detected the presence of a significant negative correlation between thigh skinfold measurement and trunk muscle endurance tests in both men and women and concluded that there is a positive significant relationship between hand grip strength, curl-up, and horizontal side bridge tests. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the relationship between muscle endurance and physical characteristics as they relate to the sex of the individual.

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