Effect of blue light emitting diode therapy on recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: A randomized assessor-blinded controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a prevalent genital infection in women of reproductive age and requires effective non-drug therapies. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of blue light emitting diode (LED) therapy as an alternative treatment for recurrent VVC due to its proven antimicrobial properties. The safety and non-invasiveness of LED therapy make it a promising option for sensitive tissue applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial recruited 60 women with culture-confirmed VVC. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A (control group) received standard antifungal treatment with Gynoconazol 0.8% vaginal cream for three consecutive nights (n = 30). Group B (study group) received the same antifungal treatment plus two 60-min sessions of blue LED therapy directed at the vagina and vulva, with the sessions separated by two days (n = 30). Candida count (via CHROMagar™ Candida) and vaginal pH (via AD110-AD111 m) were assessed at baseline and one week after initiating treatment. RESULTS: Post-treatment, group (B) demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in Candida count compared to group (A) (mean difference (MD) 8.267; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 6.723-9.811; p = 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in vaginal pH between the groups (MD -0.03; 95% CI -0.244-0.178; p = 0.749). CONCLUSION: Blue LED therapy effectively reduces Candida count in women with recurrent VVC without adversely affecting the vaginal pH, highlighting its safety and efficacy as a treatment modality.

Effect of aerobic and resistive exercise on lipid profile and quality of life in overweight breastfeeding women: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding provides benefits for both mothers and babies. However, many women experience postpartum weight gain, unfavorable lipid profiles, and other postpartum problems that can adversely impact their overall quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of adding aerobic and resistive exercise to faradic stimulation and nutritional counseling on lipid profile and QoL in overweight breastfeeding women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four breastfeeding women were randomly allocated into two equally sized groups. Group A underwent abdominal faradic stimulation along with nutritional counseling for 12 weeks, whereas Group B received identical faradic stimulation and nutritional counseling and engaged in a combined aerobic and resistive exercise program for the same duration. Before and after treatment, the following anthropometric measurements were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (W/H); lipid profile analysis, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG); and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). RESULTS: All outcome measures demonstrated significant improvements within the two groups (p < 0.05). Group B showed more significant reductions in BMI, W/H ratio, and LDL, along with greater significant increases in the SF-36 domain scores for physical functioning, physical health problems, bodily pain, general health, energy/fatigue, social activity, mental health, and the total SF-36 score (p < 0.05) compared to group A post-treatment. However, there were no significant differences in HDL, TG, and the score of the emotional wellbeing domain of the SF-36 between the groups after treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: 12-week aerobic and resistive exercise is effective in reducing the BMI, W/H ratio, and LDL levels and enhancing the QoL in overweight breastfeeding women.

Effect of aquatic exercise versus aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea and quality of life in adolescent females: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea leads to significant gynecological consultations, school absenteeism, disrupted daily activities, and adversely affects overall quality of life (QOL). PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of aquatic exercise versus aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea and QOL in adolescent females. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty adolescent females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea with moderate to severe intensity were distributed randomly and equally into two groups was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06129708) the Registration Date, November 13, 2023; group A was treated by aquatic exercise for 12 weeks, while group B was treated by aerobic exercise for 12 weeks. Assessment of both groups before and after treatment involved evaluating dysmenorrhea severity using the WaLIDD Score, measuring pain intensity with the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), determining pressure pain threshold (PPT) with an algometry, and evaluating the QOL using EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Level (EQ-5D-3L) and EuroQol-visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). RESULTS: Both groups, A and B, experienced significant reductions in the WaLIDD score, NPRS, and all domains of EQ-5D-3L (p < 0.05), coupled with significant increases in PPT and EQ-VAS (p < 0.05). Posttreatment comparisons between the groups showed insignificant differences in WaLIDD score, NPRS, and PPT (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in EQ-5D-3L and a significant increase in EQ-VAS, favoring group A (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both aquatic and aerobic exercises are effective methods in primary dysmenorrhea management and QOL improvement in adolescent females, with a better effect of aquatic exercise in enhancing QOL.