Effects of supervised aerobic and strength training in overweight and grade I obese pregnant women on maternal and foetal health markers: the GESTAFIT randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundDuring pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle may have negative consequences on maternal and foetal health status. The main objective of this project is to assess the effects of an exercise intervention in overweight and grade I obese pregnant on maternal and foetal health markers.Methods/designThe present study aims to recruit 60 overweight and grade I obese women interested in participating in an exercise intervention program from the 17th gestational week until delivery. Women will be randomized to either an exercise (three 60-min sessions/week of combined aerobic and strength training and pelvic floor exercises), or usual care (control) group (30 women per group). The primary outcome measures are maternal weight gain, and maternal and neonatal glycaemic profile. Secondary outcome measures are: i) perinatal obstetric records; i) body composition; iii) dietary patterns; iv) physical fitness; v) low-back pain; vi) objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour; vii) haematology and biochemical analyses; viii) oxidative stress; ix) pro- and anti-inflammatory markers; x) bone health biomarkers; xi) sleep quality; xii) mental health, quality of life and positive health.DiscussionThe findings of this project will help to identify strategies for primary prevention and health promotion based on this exercise-based intervention program among overweight and grade I obese pregnant women.Trial registration NCT02582567; Date of registration: 20/10/2015

International Fitness Scale—IFIS: Validity and association with health‐related quality of life in pregnant women

“…Briefly, the GESTAFIT Project is a quasi‐experimental study with a supervised concurrent physical exercise intervention in groups with moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity, 3 days/week, 60 minutes/session, from the 17th gestational week until the delivery day. The full methodology has already been published elsewhere . A total of 222 women were invited to participate at their 12th gestational week through the Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit of the “San Cecilio” and “Virgen de las Nieves” University Hospitals (Granada, Spain).…”

Association of self‐reported physical fitness with pain during pregnancy: The GESTAFIT Project

“…While PF might decrease pain, it is possible that individuals with impaired pain affection were less likely to be involved in physical activity or exercise, showing lower PF levels. Second, specific pre‐pregnancy pain problems not related to the exclusion criteria were not registered . Third, despite the fact that people tend to overestimate their PF, we assessed PF through a self‐reported questionnaire, since it has been found to be a reliable tool.…”

“…These analyses were also adjusted for age, BMI, and pain medication (only for VAS, at 16th g.w.). Finally, as in the GESTAFIT project a concurrent exercise program was performed, and all the analyses were additionally adjusted for the exercise intervention at 34th g.w.…”

“…The complete methodology of the present cross-sectional study has been published elsewhere. 15 The recruitment process of the present study was completed in three waves, and a total of 159 Spanish pregnant women (32.9 ± 4.7 years old) were finally enrolled in this study ( Figure S1). Information leaflets were distributed in primary care centers, and press releases were published in local newspapers and on social media.…”

“…Second, specific pre-pregnancy pain problems not related to the exclusion criteria were not registered. 15 Third, despite the fact that people tend to overestimate their PF, we assessed PF through a self-reported questionnaire, since it has been found to be a reliable tool. However, it is also necessary to validate the IFIS scale among pregnant women.…”