Physical Activity and Vascular Health During Pregnancy

Liverpool John Moores University20 enrolled

Overview

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on maternal and offspring vascular health.

The study will comprise of a randomised pilot trial to assess the effect of a moderate intensity exercise intervention on maternal and offspring vascular health. Participants will be recruited in the first trimester (T1, 10-12 weeks' gestation), and will be randomized to either a 24-week, structured and partially supervised, gym-based exercise intervention beginning in trimester 2 (T2) through to trimester 3 (T3), or a non-exercise control group who receive normal clinical care. The inclusion of this non-exercise control group is critical in allowing us to create an understanding of the adaptation of the vascular system during a normal (non-exercising) pregnancy, and also determining the physical activity and sedentary behaviour engaged in during normal healthy pregnancy. All participants will be asked to attend the laboratory at Liverpool John Moores University on 4 separate occasions synchronised with the end point of each trimester and then within four weeks of delivery. Maternal vascular health, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and fitness will be assessed during each time point throughout pregnancy while the fourth visit will comprise of an offspring vascular assessment. The investigators will also gain information on delivery outcomes including pre-term delivery, complications during labour, induction of labour, caesarean sections and post-partum haemorrhage via medical notes at the Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Pregnant Sedentary Lifestyle

Interventions

ExerciseOTHER

Previously inactive pregnant women will be asked to complete 3-4 sessions of aerobic exercise each week for 24 weeks of 15-30 minutes in duration.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 45 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy pregnant female * No history of cardiovascular disease, gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia * Single gestation * Not on medication affecting cardiovascular health * A non-smoker for at least 6 months * Participating in structured exercise \<twice/week * BMI \<30kg/m\^2 - Exclusion Criteria: * Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) contraindications for pregnancy * Pregnant by in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)exercise * BMI \>30kg/m\^2 * \>45 years old * Structured exercise \>twice/week * Multiple gestation * Disability preventing ambulation * Currently smoking or smoking within past 6 months prior to pregnancy * Non-English speaking women

Locations (1)

Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES)

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Vascular Function

Vascular function will be measured via endothelial-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial and femoral arteries and reported as percentage change.

Time frame: Change from baseline at week 24 and 36 of pregnancy

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Sedentary behaviour

Sedentary behaviour will be measured using an inclinometer at the end of each trimester for a period of 7 days in line with the accelerometer monitoring and will be reported in minutes.

Time frame: Change from baseline at week 24 and 36 of pregnancy

Change in Physical activity

Physical activity will be monitored for a period of 7 days using accelerometry at the end of each trimester.

Time frame: Change from baseline at week 24 and 36 of pregnancy

Incidence of Pregnancy specific outcomes

Following delivery the investigator will obtain information regarding pregnancy specific outcomes including pre-term birth, delivery complications, induction of labour, caesarean section and post-partum haemorrhage via medical notes at the collaborating hospital.

Time frame: Following delivery and within 4 weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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