Abstract
BackgroundThe extent of the benefits of exercise training during pregnancy on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health outcomes has not been sufficiently addressed. While aerobic exercise training has been determined as safe and efficacious throughout pregnancy, the effects of other training modes on fetal health and development as well as any continued benefits for the neonate, especially with regards to cardiovascular development and function, is largely unknown. In the ENHANCED by Mom study we aim to determine the effects of different modes of exercise training (aerobic, circuit, and resistance) throughout pregnancy on childhood health by controlling individual exercise programs and assessing the effects of each on fetal and neonatal health adaptations.Methods/DesignENHANCED by mom is a cross sectional comparison study utilizing 3 intervention groups in comparison to a control group. Participants will complete three 5 min warmup + 45 min sessions weekly from 16 weeks to 36 weeks gestation of aerobic, resistance, or circuit training, in comparison to non-exercising controls. Maternal physical measurements will occur every 4 weeks throughout the intervention period. Fetal morphometric and heart measurements will occur at 34 weeks gestation. Neonatal measurements will be acquired at birth and at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months.DiscussionA better understanding on the effects of exercise training during pregnancy on fetal and neonatal health could have a profound impact on the prevention and development of chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
Highlights
The extent of the benefits of exercise training during pregnancy on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health outcomes has not been sufficiently addressed
A better understanding on the effects of exercise training during pregnancy on fetal and neonatal health could have a profound impact on the prevention and development of chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes
Fetuses of exercising women had improved cardiovascular autonomic control indicated by decreased heart rates and increased Heart rate variability (HRV), relative to those of non-exercisers [10, 13]
Summary
The extent of the benefits of exercise training during pregnancy on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health outcomes has not been sufficiently addressed. While aerobic exercise training has been determined as safe and efficacious throughout pregnancy, the effects of other training modes on fetal health and development as well as any continued benefits for the neonate, especially with regards to cardiovascular development and function, is largely unknown. Previous research has shown fetal adaptations in response to maternal aerobic exercise training, including heart rate modulation and improved autonomic control [10, 13, 17]. Fetuses of exercising women had improved cardiovascular autonomic control indicated by decreased heart rates and increased HRV, relative to those of non-exercisers [10, 13]. A recent study reported that both continuous (aerobic) and intermittent (strength) exercise training throughout pregnancy are positively correlated to fetal cardiovascular adaptations [12]. May et al [12] observed that intermittent exercise (i.e. strength exercises) throughout pregnancy may increase fetal heart adaptability
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