The effects of exercise during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Randomised controlled study of the effects of exercise during pregnancy on maternal insulin sensitivity and neonatal outcomes.

Status

Recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12605000497606

Enrollment

120

Registered

2005-09-23

Start date

2004-12-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

Physical activity has well-documented health benefits and has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated during pregnancy. Regular exercise during pregnancy may help regulate maternal nutrient supply to the fetus and have important long-term health consequences for offspring. This study will examine the effects of exercise during pregnancy on maternal insulin sensitivity and neonatal outcomes. A cohort of 120 healthy women will be recruited through maternity carers to complete this study. They will be randomised to either a prescribed moderate exercise programme or no-exercise control group for the remainder of pregnancy. Maternal insulin sensitivity will be assessed at baseline and at 35 weeks. Outcomes in offspring will include birth size, body composition, and metabolic markers present in cord blood at birth. Structural and functional changes to the placenta in response to exercise will also be examined. The results of this study will determine the potential benefits of exercise during pregnancy.

Interventions

Exercise group: A programme of moderate-intensity aerobic (cycling) exercise performed for 40 minutes, 5 times per week, from 20 weeks gestation to term.

Study design

Allocation

Randomised controlled trial

Intervention model

Single group

Primary purpose

Prevention

Masking

Open (masking not used)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

20 Years to 35 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Healthy non-smoking nulliparous women, with a confirmed singleton pregnancy of less than 20 weeks at enrolment. BMI greater than 18 kg/m2.

Exclusion criteria

A previous pregnancy of greater than 20 weeks; a first-degree relative with diabetes mellitus; the presence of any chronic illness that may affect either the pregnancy or the ability to participate in an exercise programme; the presence of any other medical condition known to be associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and the development of any absolute contraindication for exercise during pregnancy (as defined by ACOG).

Outcome results