Effects of a supervised exercise program on cardiac structure during pregnancy. Randomized clinical trial

Objective. To analyze the safety of aerobic exercise for the cardiovascular system in pregnant women, and to assess improvement in the cardiovascular system. Subjects and methods. A randomized clinical trial was designed. Data collection was performed at weeks 20 and 34 of gestation. At week 20, 45 women were studied in the exercise (EG), of which 35 completed the study. There were 14 pregnant women in the control group (CG) in week 20, of which nine completed the study. Results. At week 20 there were improvements in body mass index (EG: 25.1.±.4.3/CG: 27.9±4.5) (P=.04), and in systolic blood pressure (EG: 104.7±10.9/CG: 112 .5±11.3) (P=.02). In the CG there was concentric hypertrophy (N=2; 14.3%). At week 34, the EG had a higher stroke volume (EG: 52.33±10.42/GC: 43.69±9.48) (P=.03). Conclusion. Aerobic exercise during pregnancy is safe for the cardiovascular system and even improves some parameters (AU)