Can Group Exercise Programs Improve Health Outcomes in Pregnant Women? An Updated Systematic Review

Rebeca de Castro, Raul Antunes, Diogo Mendes, Anna Szumilewicz and Rita Santos-Rocha
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Rebeca de Castro: ESECS—Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Raul Antunes: ESECS—Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Diogo Mendes: ESECS—Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Anna Szumilewicz: Department of Fitness, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
Rita Santos-Rocha: ESDRM Sport Sciences School of Rio Maior—Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 8, 1-36

Abstract: Current scientific evidence supports the recommendation to initiate or continue physical exercise in healthy pregnant women. Group exercise programs have positive effects on improving health, well-being, and social support. In 2015, a systematic review was provided to evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of group exercise programs in improving pregnant women’s and newborns’ health outcomes and to assess the content of the programs. This review aims to update this knowledge between 2015 and 2020. The exercise program designs were analyzed with the Consensus of Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) model, the compliance with the current guidelines, and effectiveness in the maternal health and fitness parameters. Three databases were used to conduct literature searches. Thirty-one randomized control trials were selected for analysis. All studies followed a supervised group exercise program including aerobic, resistance, pelvic floor training, stretching, and relaxation sections. Group interventions during pregnancy improved health and fitness outcomes for the women and newborns, although some gaps were identified in the interventions. Multidisciplinary teams of exercise and health professionals should advise pregnant women that group exercise improves a wide range of health outcomes for them and their newborns.

Keywords: physical activity; exercise; health; fitness; pregnancy; postpartum (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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