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Effects of exercise-based interventions on neonatal outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [with consumer summary]
Sanabria-Martinez G, Garcia-Hermoso A, Poyatos-Leon R, Gonzalez-Garcia A, Sanchez-Lopez M, Martinez-Vizcaino V
American Journal of Health Promotion 2016 Mar-Apr;30(4):214-223
systematic review

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the influence of physical exercise interventions during pregnancy on some neonatal outcomes. DATA SOURCE: Key words were used to conduct a computerized search in six databases: Cochrane Library Plus, ScienceDirect, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA: RCTs that included an exercise program for healthy pregnant women who were sedentary or had low levels of physical activity were selected. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies included. Of 4,296 articles retrieved, 14 RCTs (3,044 pregnant women) met the inclusion criteria. DATA SYNTHESIS: Pooled effect sizes (ESs) were calculated using a fixed model. RESULTS: Overall, physical exercise programs during pregnancy produced a small reduction in neonatal birth weight (ES -0.10; p = 0.04). The Apgar score at 1 minute was also weakly increased with combined exercise (aerobic, strength, and flexibility) (ES 0.09; p = 0.048) and no differences between groups were observed in gestational age at delivery and Apgar score at 5 minutes. CONCLUSION: Structured physical exercise programs during pregnancy appear to be safe for the neonate, mainly favoring a lower birth weight within normal range. However, more studies are needed to establish recommendations.

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