Effects of Resistance Training on Fatigue-Related Domains of Quality of Life and Mood During Pregnancy: A Randomized Trial in Pregnant Women With Increased Risk of Back Pain

Influence of a Concurrent Exercise Training Program on Health-Related Quality of Life During Advanced Pregnancy: The GESTAFIT Project

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be altered during pregnancy due to pregnancy-related changes in all domains of women's health.

HYPOTHESIS

A supervised concurrent exercise-training program from the 17th gestational week until birth positively influences HRQoL.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

METHODS

Eighty-six pregnant women (age, 33.1 ± 4.6 years; prepregnancy body mass index, 23.5 kg/m2), divided into exercise (n = 41) and control (n = 45) groups, participated in this study (per-protocol basis). The exercise group followed a 60-min, 3 days/week, concurrent (aerobic + resistance) exercise training program. HRQoL was assessed with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), where higher scores (0-100) indicate better HRQoL.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, the exercise group decreased 16.1 points less than the control group in the SF-36 physical functioning domain [between-group differences (B): 95% confidence interval (CI), 9.02 to 23.22; P < 0.01], and 4.5 points less in the SF-36 physical component summary than the control group (between-group differences (B): 95% CI, 0.65 to 8.28; P = 0.02). Intention-to-treat basis analyses depicted similar results, where the exercise group decreased 10.03 points less than the control group the in the SF-36 social functioning domain (between-group differences (B): 95% CI, 0.39 to 19.68; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

A supervised concurrent exercise training program ameliorates HRQoL decreases along gestation. Although HRQoL decreased throughout pregnancy in both groups, this impact was less in the exercise group, especially in the SF-36 physical functioning, the SF-36 social functioning, and the SF-36 physical component summary.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Healthcare providers may encourage pregnant women to exercise in this physiological stage for a better HRQoL throughout pregnancy.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02582567; Date of registration: 20/10/2015.

Benefits of Resistance Training During Pregnancy for Maternal and Fetal Health: A Brief Overview

Research demonstrates resistance training is not only safe but also beneficial for pregnant women. However, exercise recommendations for pregnant women still minimize the importance of resistance exercise and provide minimal guidance. With a large increase in strength-focused sports among women, it is critical to re-evaluate the risk/benefit ratio of these exercises and ensure the latest recommendations reflect the latest clinical research. The purpose of this review is to highlight the safety and benefits of resistance training for both maternal and fetal health, particularly focusing on recent work. Relevant research involving resistance training during pregnancy was accessed and analyzed via a quasi-systematic search. Results demonstrate that appropriate prenatal resistance training can help alleviate some of the common symptoms of pregnancy, such as fatigue, back pain, and poor mental health. Resistance exercise can assist with glucose control in gestational diabetes mellitus, as well as decrease the risk of infant macrosomia and childhood metabolic dysfunction associated with uncontrolled gestational diabetes. Resistance training can also increase the likelihood of a vaginal delivery, which is beneficial for both mother and baby. Concerning fetal health, resistance training increases uterine blood flow, decreases the risk of neonatal macrosomia, and improves cognitive function and metabolic health in childhood. As with all forms of exercise, pregnant women should avoid resistance exercises that involve the supine position for extended bouts of time, trauma (or risk of trauma) to the abdomen, ballistic movements, movements that rely heavily on balance, and conditions that prohibit appropriate temperature control. With these considerations in mind, resistance training's benefits far surpass the lack of risk to the fetus. Resistance training is a safe and effective way to improve and maintain physical fitness during pregnancy and represents no risk to fetal health and development. Thus, healthcare providers should recommend resistance training for pregnant women.

Effects of sleep quality in early pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes and mood state

PURPOSE

To clarify the relationship between quality of sleep and pregnancy outcomes and to explore how sleep quality affects mood state in the first trimester of pregnancy.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled pregnant women from June 2020 to June 2021. Maternal sleep conditions, daytime sleepiness, and mood state in the first trimester were assessed using four Chinese self-rating scales, namely, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (SHPS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the abbreviated version of the Profile of Mood States (a-POMS). Participants were divided into an exposed group (PSQI score > 5, poor sleep quality group) and a non-exposed group (PSQI score ≤ 5, good sleep quality group). Maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and the relationship among sleep quality, sleepiness, and mood state were analyzed. Comparisons of sleep hygiene behavior variables between the two subgroups were also analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 2703 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Poor sleep quality increased the probability of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (1.573, 1.315-1.863), liver function damage (1.467, 1.021-2.107), preterm delivery (1.468, 1.077-2.002), mild sleepiness (1.612, 1.357-1.915), and excessive sleepiness (2.134, 1.686-2.701). Poor maternal sleep quality was significantly associated with the occurrence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (1.947, 1.168-3.243) and perinatal death (1.003, 1.000-1.006). Additionally, a significant positive correlation between the PSQI score and the total mood disturbance (TMD) score was revealed by Spearman's correlation analysis (r = 0.378, P < 0.01). Enter Regression analysis demonstrated that sleep quality (R2 = 0.390, P < 0.01) and sleepiness (R2 = 0.234, P < 0.01) exerted significant direct effects on mood state during pregnancy. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis indicated a positive association between the PSQI score and the SHPS total score (r = 0.227, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Poor sleep quality is significantly associated with elevated rates of maternal mood disturbances, obstetric complications, and adverse outcomes in infants. The findings suggest that it may be useful to provide comprehensive sleep assessment and education on sleep hygiene during the early stages of pregnancy.

The Role of Meeting Exercise and Nutrition Guidelines on Sleep during Pregnancy

Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy. This study determined whether meeting physical activity or dietary guidelines during pregnancy was associated with improved sleep. Third trimester pregnant women (n = 49, 31.9 ± 4.1 years) completed physical activity and sleep questionnaires and then wore a wrist actigraph 24 h/day and completed three 24 h dietary recalls across two weeks. Participants who reported meeting physical activity guidelines (>150 min moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]/week, n = 23) or dietary guidelines (≥1.1 g protein/kg body weight/day, n = 26 or ≥25 g fiber/day, n = 16) were compared to those who were physically inactive (<90 min/week) or did not meet dietary guidelines, respectively. Multivariate ANOVAs and Mann-Whitney U tests compared groups and correlations were conducted between physical activity, diet, and sleep variables. Physical activity groups did not differ in objective sleep measures (ps > 0.05); however, the active group reported better sleep quality (p = 0.049). Those who met protein guidelines exhibited longer sleep duration and less wake-after-sleep-onset (ps < 0.05). Across all participants, higher weekly MET mins/week of MVPA associated with better sleep quality (p = 0.02), and a diet higher in fat and lower in carbohydrates associated with longer sleep duration (ps < 0.05). Meeting physical activity and nutrition guidelines positively associates with improved sleep, with protein associated with objective measures and physical activity with subjective measures.

Physical Activity and Self-Perception of Mental and Physical Quality of Life during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Self-perception of health status (quality of life) is considered one of the best indicators of health and well-being. However, during pregnancy, it could be impacted not only by physiological and anatomical changes, but by poor lifestyle habits like high sedentary behaviour or bad nutrition. This study assesses the effects of physical activity RCT interventions during pregnancy on both mental and physical components of quality of life. A systematic review and two meta-analyses were performed (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022370467). Of the 207 articles captured both in English and Spanish, seven articles were deemed eligible for inclusion. The two analyses performed found that physically active pregnant women had better scores of mental self-perception of quality of life (z = 2.08, p = 0.04; SMD = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.67, I2 = 76%, Pheterogeneity = 0.0004) and in physical self-perceived health status (z = 2.19, p = 0.03; SMD = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.63, I2 = 71%, Pheterogeneity = 0.002) compared to control group pregnant women. Physical activity interventions could potentially increase mental and physical self-perception of quality of life during pregnancy.

Exercise training and depression and anxiety in musculoskeletal pain patients: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety in patients with musculoskeletal pain harm health and exercise can be effective in improving the condition of these patients. This study was aimed at systematically reviewing and providing a meta-analysis of the effect of exercise training on improving depression and anxiety in patients with musculoskeletal pain.

METHODS

The search was done in three databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to August 2021. For each of the studies included in the meta-analysis, the mean, standard deviation, and sample size were extracted in the post-test, and the effect size was calculated. Publication bias and heterogeneity were assessed in studies at the end of the analysis.

RESULTS

Nineteen randomized control trials were included in the meta-analysis. Exercise training has a positive effect on depression in patients with musculoskeletal pain, so exercise reduces depression and Hedges' g was equal to -0.21, with confidence intervals of -0.40, -0.02. Exercise training has a positive effect on anxiety in patients with musculoskeletal pain, so exercise reduces anxiety and Hedges' g was equal to -0.63, with confidence intervals of -1.08, -0.19.

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that exercise training is effective in improving depression and anxiety in patients with musculoskeletal pain and therefore this treatment should be given more attention from clinical specialists.

Prevention of low back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials with GRADE recommendations

BACKGROUND

Low back (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy are related to high direct and indirect costs. It is important to clarify evidence regarding interventions to manage and prevent these conditions.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the efficacy and acceptability of the interventions to prevent LBP and PGP during pregnancy.

DATA SOURCES

Searches were conducted up to January 6th, 2021 in the MEDLINE, PEDro, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, AMED, Embase and PsycInfo databases STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: (1) Pregnant women without LBP and/or PGP; (2) any prevention strategy on incidence of LBP and PGP and sick leave; (3) comparison to control; (4) quasi and randomised controlled trial.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Two reviewers performed screening, data extraction and methodological quality assessments. Meta-analysis was performed and Relative Risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

RESULTS

Six randomised controlled trials involving 2231 participants were included in the review. Evidence of moderate quality was found that "stand-alone" exercise is acceptable to pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain (LBPP) (RR 0.60 [95%CI 0.42-0.84]) and prevents episodes of LBP (RR 0.92 [95%CI 0.85-0.99]) in the long-term. Moderate to very-low quality evidence was found detailing the lack of efficacy of other interventions in the prevention of these problems in the short and long-term.

LIMITATIONS

Small number of trials included.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficacy of prevention strategies for episodes of LBPP and the use of sick leave during pregnancy is not supported by evidence of high quality. Current evidence suggests that exercise is acceptable and promising for the prevention of LBP in the long-term. However, further high-quality trials with larger samples are needed. CONTRIBUTION ON PAPER.

Quality of Life During Pregnancy from 2011 to 2021: Systematic Review

Purpose

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has emerged as a key concern in patient care. It has become one of the major objectives of clinical trials. Our study aims to describe the quality of life (QoL) during uncomplicated pregnancy and to assess its associated factors.

Patients and Methods

The search of articles was carried out using the online database of PUBMED and Web of Science with a limit of time between 2011 and 2021. Data were retrieved by two independent reviewers.

Results

721 publications responding to keywords were identified, of which 73 articles on the topic were selected. The main countries that have published on this subject are Australia (n = 10) and China (n = 7). Twenty-three articles deal with QoL for pathological pregnancies. All the pathologies studied have a negative impact on the HRQoL of pregnant women, and its improvement depends on the type of treatment. Obesity, low back, and pelvic girdle pain, and hyperemesis gravidarum were the frequent pathologies during pregnancy. Socio-demographic characteristics related to improved well-being (favorable economic status, social support). Similarly, better sleep quality and moderate physical exercise were linked to an increased QoL. Physical and psychological factors were associated with a lower QoL.

Conclusion

The HRQoL refers to patients’ subjective evaluation of physical, mental, and social components of well-being. Optimizing the QoL during pregnancy necessitates a deeper understanding of their issues as well as counseling which provides support wherever needed.

Physical activity during pregnancy: a systematic review for the assessment of current evidence with future recommendations

Background

Physical activity is essential to maternal and infant health. Healthcare professionals should inform pregnant women about benefits of physical activity to prevent possible health issues. Those recommendations should elaborate on relevant contemporary evidence. The aim of this study was to review evidence-based recommendations for physical activity during pregnancy.

Methods

A systematic search, analysis and synthesis of conducted randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted from October 2021 to June 2022 in following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. Literature was searched using inclusion and exclusion criteria and following PRISMA recommendations.

Results

Benefits for pregnant-women health and well-being were reported while performing aerobic exercise, lumbar stabilization and stretching exercise, water exercise, nerve and tendon-slip exercise, resistance training and strength training. For all exercise modalities it is recommended to perform moderate intensity activities during the whole time of pregnancy.

Conclusions

This systematic literature review supplements current knowledge on physical activity of pregnant women. Exercise interventions are listed and suggested in an integrative model with physical-fitness components to contextualize and promote physical activity among pregnant women.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13102-022-00524-z.

Effectiveness of conservative therapy on pain, disability and quality of life for low back pain in pregnancy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Efficacy of conservative therapy for low back pain in pregnancy (PLBP) is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of conservative therapy on pain, disability, and quality of life in PLBP.

METHODS

The protocol of this systematic review was prospectively registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020164640). Search strategy was conducted on six databases up to August 24 2020 without date or language restrictions. Minimal intervention (i.e., placebo, sham, waiting list or no intervention) was the comparator of interest. Selection of randomized controlled trials, data extraction and methodological quality assessment of included trials were conducted independently by two reviewers. The PEDro scale (0-10) was used to assess methodological quality. Effect sizes for specific therapies were pooled when possible, using random-effects models. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

Ten included trials provide uncertain evidence (low to very low quality) about the effects of auriculotherapy, education, exercise, exercise plus education, oil treatment, and osteopathy in pain, disability, and quality of life at short- and long-term. At short-term, mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) on a 0-10 points pain intensity scale were: for oil treatment, 2.8 points (2.6, 3.1) (n = one trial, 114 participants); for auriculotherapy, 1.6 points (1.2, 2.0) (n = one trial, 112 participants); for exercise, 2.2 points (-1.8, 6.2) (n = three trials, 297 participants).

CONCLUSION

There is an urgent need for larger high-quality trials investigating effects of conservative therapy in pain, disability, and quality of life in this population.

Symmetry in Paraspinal Muscles as a Predictor of the Development of Pregnancy-Related Low Back and Pelvic Pain: A Prospective Study

Objective

To determine the asymmetry in the paraspinal muscle before pregnancy and evaluate its association with pregnancy‐associated lumbopelvic pain (LPP).

Methods

This was a prospective case–control study conducted from January 2017 and December 2018. A total of 171 subjects (mean age ± SD, 27.4 ± 5.8 years) were finally divided into the LBP group, PGP group, and no LPP group. Each subject was asked to follow a standardized clinical imaging protocol before the pregnancy. The area of muscles (multifidus, erector spinae, and psoas muscles) on the axial slice at mid‐disc of L₄–L₅ and L₅–S₁ were segmented and then the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of a particular muscle was measured by outlining the innermost fascial border surrounding each muscle. The mean value of F‐CSA's ratio to T‐CSA (F/T CSA) was used to determine whether the bilateral paraspinal muscle was asymmetrical. Total muscle CSA (T‐CSA) represents the sum of CSA of interested three muscles. The signal intensity can distinguish fat and muscle tissue in a different range. Based on this, functional CSA (F‐CSA), represented by fat‐free area, was evaluated quantitively by excluding the signal of the deposits of intramuscular fat. Total muscle CSA (T‐CSA), functional CSA (F‐CSA), and the ratio of F‐CSA to T‐CSA (F/T CSA) were measured unilaterally and compared between groups. Logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors for pregnancy‐associated LPP. The Pearson correlation coefficient was performed to test the relationship between asymmetry in F/T‐CSA and pain rating.

Results

A total of 124 subjects (72.5%) (28.5 ± 5.2 years) had LPP during pregnancy. Forty‐eight (38.7%) individuals had low back pain (LBP) and 76 (61.3%) had pelvic girdle pain (PGP). Seventy‐six women (44.4%) were determined to have asymmetry in paraspinal muscle according to the definition in this methods section. The duration of follow‐up was 24 months postpartum. A total of 39 (31.5%) women unrecovered from LPP. F/T‐CSA was significantly decreased for LBP in the PGP group than in the and control group (0.03 ± 0.02 vs 0.05 ± 0.03 vs 0.12 ± 0.05, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, significant differences were detected in both groups (all P < 0.001). In patients with LBP, the level of paraspinal asymmetry, represented by the difference in F/T‐CSA, was positively correlated with pain scores (r = 0.52, P < 0.01). However, no statistically significant correlation between pain scores and paraspinal asymmetry was found in PGP (r = 0.42, P > 0.05). Asymmetry in the paraspinal muscle (adjusted OR = 1.5), LBP (adjusted OR = 1.6), LPP in a previous pregnancy (adjusted OR = 1.4), sick leave ≥90 days (adjusted OR = 1.2), and heavy labor (adjusted OR = 1.2) were risk factors for the unrecovered LPP during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Asymmetrical muscular compositions could lead to abnormal biomechanics for the segmental motions. Lateral‐directed physical training and stretching may help decrease the occurrence and severity of this condition.

The effect of positive psychology intervention on quality of life among women with unintended pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown that quality of life in women with unintended pregnancy is significantly less than the ones with wanted gestation. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the effect of intervention based on the positive psychology interventions on women's QoL with unintended pregnancies in Kermanshah, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized clinical trial, 40 women with unintended pregnancy met the eligibility criteria and were randomized into experimental (n = 20) or control (n = 20) groups. The Short-form 36-item Questionnaire (SF-36) was administered at pretest, post-test, and six weeks after the intervention. Positive psychology interventions were performed in each session once a week for 10 weeks, with a duration of 90 minutes. The Friedman test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to analyze QoL and all eight domains for within-group and between-group comparisons, respectively. The level of confidence was set at 0.05 significant.

RESULTS

Distribution of matched variables was not significantly different between the two trial groups. Over the intervention period, the mean of total scores of QoL and seven dimensions showed significant improvement among the experimental group, whereas in the control group, it decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In addition, in the posttest and follow-up stages, the mean score of six dimensions of QoL was higher than the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to the results of the present study, unintended pregnancy has side effects on QoL in women. Positive counseling interventions can improve the quality of life in women with unintended pregnancy.

Physical Activity Behaviors and Barriers in Multifetal Pregnancy: What to Expect When You're Expecting More

The health benefits of prenatal physical activity (PA) are established for singleton pregnancies. In contrast, individuals with multifetal pregnancies (twins, triplets or more) are recommended to restrict or cease PA. The objectives of the current study were to determine behaviors and barriers to PA in multifetal pregnancies. Between 29 May and 24 July 2020, individuals with multifetal pregnancies participated in an online survey. Of the 415 respondents, there were 366 (88%) twin, 45 (11%) triplet and 4 (1%) quadruplet pregnancies. Twenty-seven percent (n = 104/388) of respondents completed no PA at all during pregnancy, 57% (n = 220/388) completed PA below current recommendations, and 16% (n = 64/388) achieved current recommendations (150-min per week of moderate-intensity activity). Most respondents (n = 314/363 [87%]) perceived barriers to PA during multifetal pregnancy. The most prominent were physical symptoms (n = 204/363 [56%]) and concerns about risks to fetal wellbeing (n = 128/363 [35%]). Sixty percent (n = 92/153) felt that these barriers could be overcome but expressed the need for evidence-based information regarding PA in multifetal pregnancy. Individuals with multifetal pregnancies have low engagement with current PA recommendations but remain physically active in some capacity. There are physical and psychosocial barriers to PA in multifetal pregnancy and future research should focus on how these can be removed.

Effects of exercise on pregnancy and postpartum fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Fatigue is a common adverse experience in pregnant and postpartum women and is associated with poor outcomes and can seriously affect maternal and infant health and quality of life. However, data from existing studies are inconsistent, and no studies have examined the effects of exercise on pregnancy and postpartum fatigue. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of exercise on pregnancy and postpartum fatigue.

STUDY DESIGN

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library database were used to retrieve literature. Eligible studies were clinical trials that reported the effects of exercise on pregnancy and postpartum fatigue in women. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. A fixed-effect model was used to analyse the pooled results. Subgroup analyses were used to explore sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was used to validate the robustness of the pooled results.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included. The results of meta-analysis of five studies showed that exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period may have beneficial effects on women's fatigue ([SMD = 0.29, 95 % CI (0.10, 0.47), P = 0.003]). Subgroup analyses reported that compared with the control, long exercise programmes, postpartum exercise and supervised exercise significantly improved fatigue levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Postpartum exercise in a supervised programme lasting more than eight weeks may be beneficial for reducing postpartum fatigue. More available data from large-scale and high-quality trials are needed to demonstrate the effects of exercise on pregnant and postpartum fatigue.