Effect of Exercise on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Obese Elderly Primigravida: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Eman Awad, Amir N Wadee, Heba Ali Abd EL-Ghaffaar, Hamada Ahmed Hamada

Eman Awad, Amir N Wadee, Heba Ali Abd EL-Ghaffaar, Hamada Ahmed Hamada – Exercise on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Obese Elderly Primigravida: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Fizjoterapia Polska 2019; 19(4); 120-125

Abstract
Background. In obstetric practice, advanced maternal age such as in case of elderly primigravida is known to be associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Obesity is a commonly occurring risk factor with advancing maternal age. Exercise in pregnancy could prevent and limit adverse maternal and fetal morbidities. Further research was warranted to study the effect of exercise in this high risk group due to lack of research in this area. Objective. To investigate the effect of a specialized exercise program combined with diet conducted early in pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes in obese elderly primigravida. Methods. Design: A randomized, clinical, controlled trial. Setting: The study was conducted at physical therapy Department of Bab El-Sharia University Hospital, Egypt, between May 2016 and May 2017. Participants: 80 obese elderly primigravida participants enrolled into experimental and control groups. Interventions: The experimental group participants were closely supervised to perform the exercise program starting from 14 weeks’ gestation till 37 weeks’ gestation with a moderate restricted diet and received advice specific to each trimester of pregnancy, while the control group participants were provided with specific instructions to perform the exercise program with the same diet and advice. Outcome measures: Primary outcome measure was the last BMI of each participant measured at 37 weeks of gestation while the secondary outcome measures were mode of delivery, neonatal weight and neonatal APGAR score. Results. Eighty obese elderly primigravida (control group n = 40; experimental group n = 40) were randomized. There were statistical significant differences between groups in last BMI, mode of delivery and neonates APGAR scores at 1st minute of life and 5th minute of life (p < 0.05). While, there was no statistical significant difference between groups in neonatal weight (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A specialized antenatal exercise program is very effective in decreasing maternal and neonatal complications in obese elderly primigravidae and their off springs.

Key words:
elderly primigravida, obesity, neonatal outcomes, maternal outcomes, exercise

Pobierz/Download/下載/Cкачиваете Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim