Yan Guo

Aim: This study aimed to establish robust epidemiological evidence on the association between various dimensions of health-related physical fitness (HRPF) and hypertension among older adults. Methods: We conducted a large-scale, 7-year cohort study. The baseline survey was conducted in 2015 among participants aged 65 or above from Wuhan, China. Follow-up assessments were integrated into an annual physical examination program for elderly residents in Wuhan, with outcome data collected in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. The association between HRPF and hypertension was evaluated using chi-square tests and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results: Hypertension status was tracked in 695 participants, with an incidence rate of 36.4%. Individuals who developed hypertension showed significantly poorer performance in the chair sit-and-reach (2.60 ± 0.89 VS 2.8 ± 1.13, P = 0.028) and the 30 s arm curl (2.13 ± 1.16 VS 2.26 ± 0.93, P = 0.024), but better performance in back scratch (3.53 ± 1.05 VS 3.74, P = 0.009). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that better performance in the 30-second chair stand test (β:-0.155, HR:0.86, 95%CI: 0.74–0.99, P < 0.05) and back scratch test (β:-0.140, HR:0.87, 95%CI: 0.77–0.97, P < 0.05) was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension, indicating that both are protective factors against the development of hypertension. Conclusions: Better lower-body muscle strength and upper-body body flexibility appear to be associated with a lower risk of hypertension. Exercise programs targeting these dimensions are recommended to reduce the incidence of hypertension among older adult.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate hypertension-associated disparities in health-related physical fitness (HRPF) among community-dwelling older adults in Wuhan.Methods: This cross-sectional study employed multi-stage stratified random sampling: random selection of 7 districts from Wuhan’s 17 administrative districts and 3–5 communities per district. A total of 801 eligible adults aged ≥65 years were recruited (after exclusions). The sample size was determined using 2015 municipal census data (α = 0.05, power = 90%). Assessments included verification of hypertension and demographic questionnaires, as well as seven standardized HRPF tests across four domains. The data were analyzed using SPSS 13.0, which involved calculating descriptive statistics (means ± SDs, 95% CIs) and performing between-group comparisons (χ² tests and ANOVA).Results: Hypertensive participants (n = 291) demonstrated impaired dynamic balance: they had reduced One-Leg Balance (OLB) time (3.38 ± 3.30 s vs. 3.98 ± 3.81 s; p = 0.02). Decreased aerobic endurance: fewer 2-min step repetitions (65.62 ± 29.17 vs. 70.13 ± 26.71; p = 0.033). However, they showed enhanced shoulder flexibility: greater back scratch reach (−14.11 ± 12.36 cm vs. -10.47 ± 11.15 cm; p < 0.001).Conclusion: Hypertension is associated with domain-specific HRPF impairments, particularly in balance and aerobic endurance. Targeted exercise interventions that prioritize these domains may mitigate functional decline and reduce cardiovascular burden in aging populations.

Background: There were many studies detecting the relationship between Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Preterm Birth (PTB). However, the conclusions were inconsistent. Therefore, to clarify the relationship between GDM and PTB, a meta-analysis was conducted in this study