Optimum training programme during pregnancy to prevent gestational hypertension and preeclampsia: a systematic review

Abstract

Gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia are hypertensive disorders which are the world’s leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality. Currently, evidences support the benefit of moderate physical exercise (PE) during uncomplicated pregnancies in the prevention of HTG and pre-eclampsia. However, there is no evidence on which kind of training is more effective for its prevention. The aim of this study was to analyze which kind of exercise, duration of the intervention and session, frequency and intensity produce the greatest benefits in the prevention of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia in women with uncomplicated pregnancies. An exhaustive search of PubMed and Web of Science was carried out until October 21, 2020. From 705 studies found, we analyzed 14 original full-text intervention articles in English or Spanish, with a PE program in pregnant women without complications, evaluating BP and including in their methodology, at least, frequency, duration, intensity, or kind of exercise. Exercise training in healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies reduces the incidence of HTG and preeclampsia. The program with most benefits is concurrent training combined with flexibility, with a minimum duration of 29 weeks, from the 8th-9th gestational week to 36, but can be extended until the end of pregnancy. It’s recommended to get to a training frequency equal to or greater than 3 days a week, with sessions at 50-70% of the maximum heart rate and 10-14 on the Borg Scale, and a duration of 45 and 60 minutes per session.