Impact of Physical Exercise to Reduce the Risk of Gestational Hypertension, A Role of Leptin and Adiponectin

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of exercise on the blood pressure of new-onset hypertension and non-hypertensive pregnant women and to determine the serum leptin and adiponectin levels and their response to exercise. Methodology: This quasi-experimental cross-over study was conducted at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Samples were processed and analyzed at Khyber Girls Medical College Peshawar from January 2022 to April 2022. A total of 140 pregnant females were recruited for this study through convenience sampling. Out of this total, 70 were normotensive for the control group and 70 were hypertensive (gestational hypertensive). All participants were included after taking an informed consent. Results: In normotensive pregnant women, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure remained normal, and no hypertension developed. In gestational hypertensive women, 70% responded significantly to physical exercise. Post-exercise, Group A saw decreases in systolic BP , diastolic BP , and leptin levels, with an increase in adiponectin. Group B exhibited more pronounced changes by decreased systolic BP, diastolic BP, leptin, and increased adiponectin. Conclusions: We observed that recommended physical exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for maternal health in pregnancy. Physical exercise significantly reduced the progression of GH and brought the serum leptin and adiponectin levels toward normal range. Therefore, physical activity should be encouraged in every healthy woman after addressing potential barriers to exercise during pregnancy. Keywords: Gestational hypertension, Exercise, Leptin, Adiponectin