Influence Of Maternal Training Modes On Offspring Heart Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Regular exercise during pregnancy provides many maternal and fetal health benefits. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) are good indicators of heart health. Maternal exercise improves fetal HR and HRV. There is limited research on whether these benefits persist post-partum. Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether fetal cardiac health benefits from maternal exercise during pregnancy persist through infant development. The secondary purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of maternal exercise mode on heart measures (HR and HRV) of 1 month old infants. Methods: Pregnant women (n=47) >18 years of age in their 13th-16th week of gestation were recruited and randomized into control, resistance, and circuit training groups. Intervention groups exercised for 45 min/day 3-4 days/week for 20 weeks. HR and HRV measures were taken on infants at 1 month of age. Results: Infant HR was significantly and negatively correlated with all measures of HRV with the exception of LF:HF where there was a significant, positive correlation. A significant difference in mean was found between groups on all measures of HR (p<0.001) and HRV (p<0.003) with the exception of LF:HF (p<0.542). HRV was significantly higher in both the resistance and circuit groups compared to control. There was no significant difference between resistance and circuit groups on all measures of HR and HRV. Conclusion: Fetal health (HR and HRV) benefits of maternal exercise persist 1 month post-partum. Exercise mode does not seem to have an effect on the magnitude of infant health benefits. More research is needed to compare the effects of aerobic, maternal exercise to other modes.