Leisure-Time Physical Activity before and during Pregnancy Is Associated with Improved Insulin Resistance in Late Pregnancy

Chenxi Cai, Zhengxiao Zhang, Samantha Mcdonald, Cody Strom, Rachel J. Skow, Linda E. May, Craig D. Steinback and Margie H. Davenport
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Chenxi Cai: Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
Zhengxiao Zhang: Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
Samantha Mcdonald: School of Kinesiology and Recreation, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA
Cody Strom: Department of Kinesiology and Sport, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN 47712, USA
Rachel J. Skow: Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
Linda E. May: School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, SC 27858, USA
Craig D. Steinback: Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
Margie H. Davenport: Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-5

Abstract: A total of 83 third trimester pregnant women were recruited to examine the role of pre-pregnancy versus late-pregnancy physical activity on maternal insulin resistance. Principal component analysis plots demonstrated a distinction between the high and low Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) groups. The variation was driven primarily by exercise prior to and during pregnancy. Specifically, higher levels of physical activity prior to pregnancy was associated with a lower HOMA-IR and is not modified by other variables. Women who were active prior to pregnancy were more active during pregnancy. These results suggest that being active before pregnancy may be a good strategy for mitigating the risk of insulin resistance during late pregnancy.

Keywords: physical activity; pregnancy; insulin resistance; exercise (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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