Actively Recruiting
Community Expecting: Exercise During Pregnancy for Sedentary Women With Obesity
Led by Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute · Updated on 2026-01-15
228
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Regular physical activity during pregnancy offers many health benefits to both mothers and their babies, including healthier weight gain, reduced risks of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, and lower stress and postpartum depression symptoms. Babies may also have lower risks of preterm birth, unhealthy birth size, and childhood obesity. However, few exercise programs for pregnant women have been tested in community settings to see how well they work and can be delivered practically. The COMMUNITY EXPECTING program adapts a proven exercise plan called EXPECTING for use in community settings led by certified personal trainers. Women in the exercise group work out three times a week, progressing to 45 minutes per session within the first six weeks, focusing mainly on bodyweight exercises with resistance bands. They attend at least two live group sessions weekly and may use recorded workouts for one session. The program includes aerobic exercise, resistance training, and stretching, all designed for moderate intensity. After delivery and medical clearance, mothers can continue the program for up to 12 months with postpartum support. Participants complete weekly workouts and surveys to track attendance, heart rate, and exertion. Trainers receive special training and are monitored to ensure consistent delivery. The study compares this exercise program to usual prenatal care and measures physical activity through weekly step logs throughout pregnancy. Additional assessments include maternal health, depression symptoms, and trainer fidelity. Participants may be involved for up to 18 months if they continue postpartum support, helping researchers understand the program's effectiveness and practicality in real-world community settings.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Community Expecting: Exercise During Pregnancy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 years of age or older
- Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
- Not currently meeting guidelines for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week
- All children born to mother participants will be included and eligible
You will not qualify if you...
- Non-English speaking individuals
- Contraindications for exercise such as preeclampsia-eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, antepartum hemorrhage, placenta previa, or multiple gestation
- Using recreational drugs, tobacco, or alcohol during pregnancy
- Less than 11 or more than 16 weeks gestation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - From enrollment until delivery (up to approximately 24 weeks)
Participants exercise in small groups with a certified personal trainer, working out three times per week. Workouts focus on body weight exercises and resistance bands, progressing to 45 minutes per session within the first 6 weeks. Participants complete at least 2 live in-person sessions per week, with the option for one recorded workout weekly. Exercise continues until delivery or if exercise is contraindicated.
3 exercise sessions per week (2 live in-person and 1 recorded workout)
Duration - Up to 12 months postpartum
After delivery and medical clearance, mothers can continue the exercise program for up to 12 months with postpartum support to assist re-entry into exercise.
Optional ongoing exercise sessions and support
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Arkansas Children's Research Institute
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 72202
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Taren Swindle
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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