Maternal hemodynamic responses to two different types of moderate physical exercise during pregnancy: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background/Aim: Maternal hemodynamic responses (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) were compared during two types of moderate-intensity physical exercise. Methods: A randomized clinical trial compared 120 pregnant women performing physical exercise on a treadmill (n=64) or stationary bicycle (n=56). In 44 of these women (n=23 treadmill; n=21 bicycle), blood pressure was monitored for 24 hours following exercise. Repeated-measures analysis compared maternal heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure before, during and in the 24 hours following exercise in both groups. Results: Maternal heart rate increased significantly (p