Influence of antenatal physical exercise on haemodynamics in pregnant women: a flexible randomisation approach.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Normal pregnancy is associated with marked changes in haemodynamic function, however the influence and potential benefits of antenatal physical exercise at different stages of pregnancy and postpartum remain unclear. The aim of this study was therefore to characterise the influence of regular physical exercise on haemodynamic variables at different stages of pregnancy and also in the postpartum period.

Methods

Fifty healthy pregnant women were recruited and randomly assigned (2 × 2 × 2 design) to a land or water-based exercise group or a control group. Exercising groups attended weekly classes from the 20th week of pregnancy onwards. Haemodynamic assessments (heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance, systolic and diastolic blood press

SUBMITTER: Carpenter RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4546133 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature