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

Author

Listed:
  • Rebeca de Castro

    (ESECS—Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal)

  • Raul Antunes

    (ESECS—Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
    Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), 2040-413 Leiria, Portugal
    Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic of Leiria, 2410-541 Leiria, Portugal)

  • Diogo Mendes

    (ESECS—Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
    Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), 2040-413 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
    CIPER Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance, Faculty of Human Kinetics (FMH), University of Lisbon, 1499-002 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebeca de Castro & Raul Antunes & Diogo Mendes & Anna Szumilewicz & Rita Santos-Rocha, 2022. "Can Group Exercise Programs Improve Health Outcomes in Pregnant Women? An Updated Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-36, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:8:p:4875-:d:795713
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Raquel Rodríguez-Blanque & María José Aguilar-Cordero & Ana Eugenia Marín-Jiménez & María José Menor-Rodríguez & Maria Montiel-Troya & Juan Carlos Sánchez-García, 2020. "Water Exercise and Quality of Life in Pregnancy: A Randomised Clinical Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-12, February.
    2. Raquel Rodríguez-Blanque & María José Aguilar-Cordero & Ana Eugenia Marín-Jiménez & Ana María Núñez-Negrillo & Antonio Manuel Sánchez-López & Juan Carlos Sánchez-García, 2020. "Influence of a Water-Based Exercise Program in the Rate of Spontaneous Birth: A Randomized Clinical Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Carmen W. H. Chan & Elce Au Yeung & Bernard M. H. Law, 2019. "Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Pregnancy-Related Outcomes among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-42, May.
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