What is this prenatal exercise program studying for pregnant women?

This study is evaluating how supervised prenatal exercise, delivered in person or online, affects physical activity, fitness, and healthy lifestyle factors during pregnancy. Researchers want to understand which exercise method is better or if both are similar in supporting pregnant women's health. The Polytechnic University of Santarém is leading this research to improve exercise guidance for expectant mothers.

Who may be eligible for this pregnancy exercise clinical trial?

Women aged 18 to 50 who are currently pregnant between 13 and 20 weeks gestation may be eligible. Participants must be female, have no absolute medical reasons preventing exercise, and understand Portuguese. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this pregnancy exercise clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the exercise program and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel or internet access costs may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants can access free educational resources and workouts during the study.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years - 50Years

FEMALE

ID06954454

Impact of In-Person Versus Online Supervised Multicenter Multicomponent Prenatal Exercise Program on Maternal Physical Activity, Fitness, and Healthy Lifestyle - The Active Pregnancy Trial Protocol

Led by Polytechnic University of Santarém · Updated on 2025-06-04

250

Participants Needed

Research Sites

26 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Scientific research has shown that staying active during pregnancy can help prevent and manage complications like gestational diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and improve overall fitness, mental health, and postpartum recovery. However, many pregnant and postpartum women lack proper guidance on exercising safely, and inactivity remains common. This research evaluates the benefits of a supervised prenatal exercise program delivered either in person or online, aiming to improve maternal physical activity, fitness, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The study offers a 12-week multicomponent exercise program, including aerobic, coordination, strength, postural, stretching, and pelvic floor exercises. Participants attend two 60-minute sessions weekly, supervised by qualified exercise physiologists. Women join either an in-person group at healthcare, university, or fitness centers or an online group exercising at home or outdoors. The program follows international guidelines and includes access to additional free resources like the Active Pregnancy Guide and YouTube workouts. Participants complete validated questionnaires and fitness tests before and after the 12-week intervention to assess physical activity, fitness, sleep, diet, stress, and other health factors. Researchers will compare the effects of in-person versus online exercise on these outcomes and gather participant feedback on satisfaction and resource use. All participation and resources are free, and the study aims to inform future exercise recommendations and public health strategies for pregnant women.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Impact of In-Person Versus Online Supervised Multicenter Multicomponent Prenatal Exercise Program on Maternal Physical Activity, Fitness, and Healthy Lifestyle

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 50Years

FEMALE

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Pregnant women between 13 and 20 gestational weeks at baseline
Age between 18 and 50 years
No absolute contraindications to exercise
Understand the Portuguese language

You will not qualify if you...

Any absolute contraindications to exercise as per guidelines
High-risk pregnancy conditions requiring physical activity restrictions

Research Team

Rita Santos-Rocha, Ph.D.

Cristina Nogueira-Silva, Ph.D/M.D.

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