Camila Ferreira Leite1, Simony Lira do Nascimento1, Fernanda Rodrigues Helmo2, Maria Luíza Gonçalves Dos Reis Monteiro2, Marlene Antônia Dos Reis2, Rosana Rosa Miranda Corrêa3. 1. Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. 2. Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Discipline of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino No. 30, Bairro Nossa Senhora da Abadia, Uberaba, MG, 38025-180, Brazil. 3. Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Discipline of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino No. 30, Bairro Nossa Senhora da Abadia, Uberaba, MG, 38025-180, Brazil. rosana@patge.uftm.edu.br.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To explore information available in the literature about the possible benefits resulting from physical activity (PA) in non-risky pregnant women, repercussion on maternal organism, fetal development, and on long-term offspring health. METHODS: Critical narrative review using online databases. RESULTS: Through critical discussion of studies focused on PA practiced during pregnancy, it was observed that some of the outcomes investigated on both mother and offspring showed conflicting findings. Considering the impact of maternal PA in certain offspring characteristics, due to the fact that their findings come from studies with small samples, they do not allow the stablishment of scientific evidence. However, a feature that shows broad consensus among studies is the view of PA during pregnancy as a safe intervention for mother and fetus. In situations where studies employing PA of moderate-intensity have not enough power to ensure a positive influence on certain clinical outcomes, what is observed is the lack of their influence, not negative impacts. Regarding epigenetic modulations measured late in the offspring, it has been attributed to PA a positive modulatory role on metabolic, hemodynamic and even on behavioral characteristics. However, possible mechanisms involved in these epigenetic changes have not been sufficiently explored. CONCLUSION: Maternal PA appears to be safe for both mother and fetus, and additional studies are needed to confirm the real influence of this practice in the offspring, as well as the perpetuation and transfer of these features between generations.
PURPOSE: To explore information available in the literature about the possible benefits resulting from physical activity (PA) in non-risky pregnant women, repercussion on maternal organism, fetal development, and on long-term offspring health. METHODS: Critical narrative review using online databases. RESULTS: Through critical discussion of studies focused on PA practiced during pregnancy, it was observed that some of the outcomes investigated on both mother and offspring showed conflicting findings. Considering the impact of maternal PA in certain offspring characteristics, due to the fact that their findings come from studies with small samples, they do not allow the stablishment of scientific evidence. However, a feature that shows broad consensus among studies is the view of PA during pregnancy as a safe intervention for mother and fetus. In situations where studies employing PA of moderate-intensity have not enough power to ensure a positive influence on certain clinical outcomes, what is observed is the lack of their influence, not negative impacts. Regarding epigenetic modulations measured late in the offspring, it has been attributed to PA a positive modulatory role on metabolic, hemodynamic and even on behavioral characteristics. However, possible mechanisms involved in these epigenetic changes have not been sufficiently explored. CONCLUSION: Maternal PA appears to be safe for both mother and fetus, and additional studies are needed to confirm the real influence of this practice in the offspring, as well as the perpetuation and transfer of these features between generations.
Authors: Vickà Versele; Femke Marijn Stok; Anna Dieberger; Tom Deliens; Dirk Aerenhouts; Benedicte Deforche; Annick Bogaerts; Roland Devlieger; Peter Clarys Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-02-19 Impact factor: 3.390