Ensayo clínico controlado de la influencia del entrenamiento aeróbico en la tolerancia al ejercicio y los síntomas depresivos en primigestantes colombianas

Abstract

IntroductionDepression in pregnancy affects almost 60% of pregnant women and several studies have shown that aerobic exercise can reduce depressive symptoms by increasing physical capacity. However, this effect has not been determined in pregnancy. ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of aerobic training on exercise tolerance and depressive symptoms in Colombian nulliparous pregnant women. Materiales and methodsWe carried out a simple controlled trial in 80 nulliparous pregnant women, between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, randomized to two groups. 1) The control group continued their usual activities, with no specific exercise regime. 2) The intervention group performed aerobic training between 50% and 65% of their maximal heart rate for 50minutes, three times a week for 12 weeks. Exercise tolerance was assessed using the 6-minute walk test and symptoms of depression were assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at baseline and immediately after the 3-month intervention. ResultsThe mean age was 21±3 years and gestational age was 18±2 weeks. Seventy-four women completed the study. After the intervention, participants who exercised had a higher exercise tolerance, measured by the 6-minute walk test, and a greater reduction in depressive symptoms than the control group, as measured by the CES-D scale, P<.05. ConclusionsA supervised 3-month program of primarily aerobic exercise during pregnancy reduces depressive symptoms and improves exercise tolerance. These results provide new evidence of the benefits of exercise in preventing maternal depression.