Can Group Exercise Programs Improve Health Outcomes in Pregnant Women? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Current scientific evidence supports the recommendation to initiate or continue the practice of physical exercise in healthy pregnant women. Group exercise programs have positive effects in improving health and well-being, as well as social support. In order to understand the scientific evidence in this field, and the outcomes in maternal health, it has generated wide interest in exploring the studies carried out with more relevant group exercise programs. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of group exercise programs in improving women’s and newborns health outcomes during pregnancy. Three databases were used to conduct literature searches and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed. Seventeen studies were selected for analysis. All studies were randomized control trials conducted with pregnant women that evaluated the effect of group exercise programs on the health outcomes of mother and newborn. Most studies followed a supervised structured exercise program including a main aerobic part, resistance training, pelvic floor training and stretching and relaxation sections. The significant effects of the programs are related with improved maternal perception of health status, lower maternal weight gain, improved levels of maternal glucose tolerance, improved aerobic fitness and muscular strength, lower frequency of urinary incontinence, improved sick leave due to lumbopelvic pain, fewer cesarean and instrumental deliveries, higher newborn Apgar score and faster postpartum recovery. Exercise and health professionals should advise pregnant women that aerobic group exercise during pregnancy improves a wide range of health outcomes for the women and newborns.

Can Group Exercise Programs Improve Health Outcomes in Pregnant Women? An Updated Systematic Review

“…In addition to the previous systematic review [15], this article evaluated intervention design and reported its limitations. The CERT model evaluated the physical exercise program design through key items considered essential to report the replicable capacity of intervention.…”

“…In 2015, a systematic review was provided to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of group exercise programs in improving women's health outcomes during pregnancy, as well as newborn's health outcomes, and to assess the content of the programs [15]. The present systematic review aims to update the knowledge about the effectiveness of exercise in a group context during pregnancy, between 2015 and 2020.…”

ACTIVE PREGNANCY: Workshop on Promotion of Physical Activity in Pregnancy for Exercise Professionals

“…Main references for this content: systematic review studies. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]…”

“…• Systematic reviews studies [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] • Official recommendations on physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum 1,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][32][33][34][35] • Other studies referenced in the presentation, upon request • Chapters developed in the textbook "Exercise and Physical Activity during Pregnancy and Postpartum", published by Springer in 2019, 51 and the second edition in 2022. 52 To be noted that this is the unique international book addressing this topic, so far.…”

“…1 The last three decades produced an increasing amount of scientific evidence on the positive effects of the prenatal physical activity on the maternal and fetal health, as well as in pregnancy outcomes, as shown by recent systematic reviews. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Practice guidelines have become an increasingly popular tool for synthesis of clinical information. 19 Clinical guidelines are commonly defined as systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances, which objectives are to enhance appropriateness of practice, improve quality of care, lead to better patient outcomes, improve cost effectiveness, help authorities to decide on the approval of drugs and devices, and identify areas of research needed.…”