Weng MH, Chou HC, Liaw JJ. The effects of unsupervised home-based exercise training during pregnancy: A systematic review.
Worldviews Evid Based Nurs 2024;
21:438-444. [PMID:
38361353 DOI:
10.1111/wvn.12712]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Pregnant women may experience physical and emotional distress. Exercise is recommended for healthy pregnant women and is beneficial for their mental and physical health. Unsupervised home-based exercise is cost-effective for pregnant women as an occasional solution for their discomfort. However, no synthesis of randomized trials on this topic has been conducted.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of unsupervised home-based exercise during pregnancy.
METHODS
A systematic search for randomized controlled trials was performed in electronic databases. The review extracted eligibility criteria based on unsupervised home-based exercise intervention. The quality of the included studies was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0. This review was registered a priori in PROSPERO (CRD42023452966).
RESULTS
In total, seven studies were selected for systematic review. Participant adherence rates for the three reported studies varied considerably, ranging from 33% to 75%. Two studies revealed that unsupervised home-based exercise improved symptom severity in relation to long-term adherence to exercise. Two studies suggested that maternal aerobic fitness increased due to exercise. One study revealed improved sleep quality. However, none of the studies supported the positive effects of exercise on fatigue, maternal insulin sensitivity, prenatal weight gain, postnatal weight loss, birth pain, and cesarean section.
LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION
Unsupervised home-based exercise improves discomfort symptoms during pregnancy but requires a long intervention period. This finding suggests that the evaluation period needs to be longer to identify the effects of exercise. In addition, a theoretical-based integrity exercise plan should be considered to promote the effectiveness of unsupervised home-based exercise.
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