Abstract
Physical exercise has been demonstrated a positive effect on many pregnancy outcomes. Placental components are important for exchanging oxygen and nutrients between mother and fetus. This study aimed to systematic review and meta-analysis whether physical exercise could induce a morphological adjustment on placenta components. We systematically searched PubMed database until October 30th, 2014. We included randomized and non-randomized studies with control group, which aimed to investigate the effect of the physical exercise (water, aerobic and resistance) on placental components (placental weight and volume, villous volume and vascular volume, intervillous space and stem villi). Initially, we identified 222 articles, of which 9 articles were used for full text analysis. Finally, four articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated that exercise appeared to affect placental weight (95% CI, 39.73g [4.66-74.80]), placental volume (95% CI, 47.11 cm3 [37.99-56.23]), intervillous space (95% CI, 16.76 cm3 [12.66-20.68]), villous volume (95% CI, 46.01 cm3 [40.21-51.81]), villous vascular volume (95% CI, 15.95 cm3 [7.83-24.07]) and stem villi (95% CI, 6.00 cm3[4.25-7.75]). Apparently, physical exercise has a positive effect on placental components. However, this conclusion is based on a limited number of studies. Clearly, it stands the necessity of larger samples and better methodology quality.
Highlights
Placenta serves as a selective barrier tissue between mother and child
Nine articles were included for full text analysis, leaving four papers to systematic review and meta-analysis3,5,11,12
Low number of articles and patients included in this meta-analysis, we could indicate that aerobic training might increase placenta weight and volume, villous volume and vascular volume, intervillous space and steam villi
Summary
Placenta serves as a selective barrier tissue between mother and child. Cardiac output is driven away from splenic organs and might lead to decrease oxygen and nutrients delivery. Maternal metabolism might adapt and activate several cellular and/or molecular mechanisms to counterbalance this gas rate reduction. Many data have been published regarding placenta morphological adaptation during maternal physical training. Jackson and colleagues showed villi, steam villi and total peripheral villi increase among women who continued moderate exercise training through pregnancy. Others showed interesting placental morphology adjustments both trained and sedentary pregnant women. Many methodological issues such as few patients’ number, gestational age at beginning and others might influence outcomes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
