I came across this article from New York (Reuter Health) entitled, "Exercise doesn't prevent pregnancy-related diabetes." Reported by the Chicago Tribune.
About 14% of women in the US will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes and part of the treatment protocol is to engage in regular exercise. The question that is up for debate is how do we PREVENT it. Please always read the article and not just the headline.
The study referenced was published in Obstetrics & Gynecology: January 2012. To view the abstract click HERE.
The exercise program used was an hour group exercise class (aerobic, strength training, balance training) and at least 2 additional "at home" exercise sessions, on their own, 45 minute each similar to the group class. The aerobic exercise was set at 13 to 14 on the Borg RPE scale which is moderate. The strength training was primarily body weight exercises upper and lower and then the stretching and relaxation.
The researchers were hoping to find at least a 5% difference between the exercising group and general prenatal care group. The finding were 7% to 6% respectively which did not reach the significance level of 5%. So now can we publish the headline, "Exercise doesn't prevent pregnancy related diabetes." Wait just a minute.
About 55% of the exercise group reported not being consistent with their "at home" exercise routine. Wow that is a shocker! Do you mean people have a hard time doing exercise on their own?
Another observation, in my humble opinion, is that the exercise routine could have been better. To truly impact you bodies ability to utilize blood sugar without insulin an even balance of aerobic and strength training needs to be achieved. As well, in 12 weeks of body weight training you body will adapt and you will not improve. especially if you are inconsistent with your at home routine. Varying the resistance would have been the way to go.
I love the fact that more research is being done to discover the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. More well designed studies are needed and the researchers should think about consulting working fitness professionals.
Also I appreciate the Reuters for printing this article even though the title was misleading. Then again it got my attention so I guess it worked. That is why I used it, right.
Exercise will reduce your risk of gestational diabetes in my opinion. A quality program will lead to many health benefits before, during, and after pregnancy.
The study referenced was published in Obstetrics & Gynecology: January 2012. To view the abstract click HERE.
The exercise program used was an hour group exercise class (aerobic, strength training, balance training) and at least 2 additional "at home" exercise sessions, on their own, 45 minute each similar to the group class. The aerobic exercise was set at 13 to 14 on the Borg RPE scale which is moderate. The strength training was primarily body weight exercises upper and lower and then the stretching and relaxation.
The researchers were hoping to find at least a 5% difference between the exercising group and general prenatal care group. The finding were 7% to 6% respectively which did not reach the significance level of 5%. So now can we publish the headline, "Exercise doesn't prevent pregnancy related diabetes." Wait just a minute.
About 55% of the exercise group reported not being consistent with their "at home" exercise routine. Wow that is a shocker! Do you mean people have a hard time doing exercise on their own?
Another observation, in my humble opinion, is that the exercise routine could have been better. To truly impact you bodies ability to utilize blood sugar without insulin an even balance of aerobic and strength training needs to be achieved. As well, in 12 weeks of body weight training you body will adapt and you will not improve. especially if you are inconsistent with your at home routine. Varying the resistance would have been the way to go.
I love the fact that more research is being done to discover the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. More well designed studies are needed and the researchers should think about consulting working fitness professionals.
Also I appreciate the Reuters for printing this article even though the title was misleading. Then again it got my attention so I guess it worked. That is why I used it, right.
Exercise will reduce your risk of gestational diabetes in my opinion. A quality program will lead to many health benefits before, during, and after pregnancy.
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