Comparing High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate Continuous Training During and After Pregnancy Effects on Health and Birth Outcomes for Mothers and Children

What this Trial Is About

Regular exercise during pregnancy and after childbirth benefits both mother and child by reducing risks of conditions like gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, hypertension, preeclampsia, depressive symptoms, urinary incontinence, back pain, and complications during labor. This research evaluates two exercise programshigh intensity interval training HIIT and moderate intensity continuous training MICTto compare their effects on biological, functional, and psychological health markers in pregnant women and their children. The study also includes nonpregnant women as comparison groups to analyze broader health outcomes. Pregnant women in the study will be randomly assigned to one of three groups a HIIT program, a MICT program, or an educational program about healthy lifestyle and physical activity. Both exercise programs involve structured cycles lasting 8 weeks during pregnancy and continuing postpartum, with sessions three times a week, either in person or online. Nonpregnant women will participate in similar HIIT or MICT programs over an eight-month period followed by additional cycles. The educational group will receive online sessions on healthy lifestyle topics throughout the study. Participants will be monitored through various assessments at each trimester, during the postpartum period, and up to one year after childbirth. Researchers will measure changes in heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, body composition, muscle activity, psychological scores, and childbirth outcomes. Data on childrens growth and health will be collected up to six years of age. The study includes detailed tracking of physical performance, mood, pain tolerance, and other health parameters to understand the effects of these exercise programs on mothers and their offspring.

HIIT vs MICT During Pregnancy and Health and Birth Outcomes in Mothers and Children