Maternal physical activity before IVF/ICSI cycles improves clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveThis meta-analysis was aimed to evaluate the association between maternal physical activity before IVF/ICSI cycles and reproductive outcomes.MethodsWe searched databases of PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science electronic databases, and ongoing trials up to November 2017 to identify studies that focused on the relationship between maternal physical activity before IVF/ICSI cycles and reproductive outcomes, including implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate and live birth rate. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated to assess the results of each outcome.ResultsEight published studies encompassing 3683 infertile couples undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment were included into the analysis. There was an increasing, but not statistically significant, trend in implantation rate for physically active women when compared with physically inactive women (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 0.99–3.83, I2 = 77%). No significant difference was found in miscarriage rate between physically active women and physically inactive women (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.41–1.44, I2 = 49%). However, rates of clinical pregnancy and live births in physically active women were significantly higher than those in physically inactive women (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.40, 2.73, I2 = 42% and OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.06–3.59, I2 = 82%, respectively). Subgroup analysis helped to confirm these results.ConclusionsFemale physical activity before IVF/ICSI cycles was associated with increased rates of clinical pregnancy and live births, whereas only a small but not statistically significant increase was found in implantation rate, and no effect was shown on miscarriage rate.

Pretreatment maternal lifestyle and outcomes of assisted reproduction: an Italian cohort study

“…Recently, findings from the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study 45 suggested that time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities before IVF was not associated with probability of implantation, clinical pregnancy or live birth, in 273 women who underwent 427 IVF cycles. Pooled estimates from a recent meta-analysis 16 suggested a beneficial effect of PA on ART outcomes, and no effect on spontaneous abortion; despite this, study results are widely heterogeneous.…”

“…15 This evidence has been recently reviewed: pooled estimates from a systematic research found that PA before ART cycles was associated with increased rates of clinical pregnancy and live births, but no effect was shown on miscarriage rate. 16 These factors have been analysed in relation to sperm quality. Several reviews showed that the same lifestyle habits, such as smoking and regular drinking, negatively impacting female fertility, also have a detrimental effect on semen quality.…”

“… 15 This evidence has been recently reviewed: pooled estimates from a systematic research found that PA before ART cycles was associated with increased rates of clinical pregnancy and live births, but no effect was shown on miscarriage rate. 16 …”

Physical and Sedentary Activities in Association with Reproductive Outcomes among Couples Seeking Infertility Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…However, couples attempting conception or couples seeking infertility treatment do not currently know whether higher/lower levels of PA can increase or reduce the chances of becoming pregnant and having live birth. In fact, no consensus has been reached regarding the effect of PA during ART on pregnancy outcomes [ 15 ]. The few studies of female and male PA in association with ART success have reported mixed results [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”

“…In fact, no consensus has been reached regarding the effect of PA during ART on pregnancy outcomes [ 15 ]. The few studies of female and male PA in association with ART success have reported mixed results [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Nevertheless, the general belief is that doing regular PA is good for female [ 6 , 7 , 22 ] and male fertility [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 23 , 24 ], while high intensity and frequency of PA [ 25 ] or low PA or extensive sedentary time can increase subfertility and infertility [ 19 , 23 , 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”