The Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Oxidative Stress during Pregnancy: A Non-randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aim:The effects of combined moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise on physiological indicators of oxidative stress in pregnant women have not been investigated. We aimed to determine whether aerobic and resistance exercise during the second trimester reduces oxidative stress in pregnant women. Methods: Women with low-risk singleton pregnancies at 20-27 gestational weeks were recruited at two antenatal clinics in Tokyo, Japan. The intervention (n = 43) and control (n = 45) groups included pregnant women who planned and did not plan to attend maternity aerobics classes three times weekly for 10 weeks. Participants' data were collected at baseline and after the program completion. Heart Rate (HR), maximum HR, and VO2max uptake were monitored. The General Health Questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered at baseline. Oxidative stress was measured at baseline and 10 weeks later using urinary DNA-derived 8-hydroxy-2deoxyguanosine levels (8-OHdG) and urinary lipid-derived 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) levels. Results: The exercise program reduced urinary 8-OHdG levels and prevented urinary 8-iso-PGF2α level increase. The between-group differences in urinary 8-OHdG and urinary 8-iso-PGF2α levels were not affected by being overweight, mental health status, iodine supplement uptake, and previous exercise habits. However, passive smoking was associated with elevated urinary 8-OHdG. Conclusion: Our study indicates that 30 combined moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise sessions at 40%-60% VO2max, starting from the second pregnancy trimester, can reduce oxidative stress in the third trimester.