Long-term effects of regular exercise during pregnancy on overweight and obese gravidas: A protocol of randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Overweight before pregnancy is independent risk factor for diabetes mellitus. This randomized controlled trial was to investigate the long-term effects of regular exercise during pregnancy on overweight and obese gravidas. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled test will be conducted in Wuhan Central Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Overweight and obese pregnant women will be included in our study and randomized into 2 groups: regular exercise and control groups. The informed consent will be acquired in each patient. Body weight, body fat, fasting and 2 h glucose level in 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin resistance index, and lipid profiles were compared. We also evaluated their physical activities with International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), their dietary habits with modified Adult Dietary Behavior Assessment Scale, and depression condition with Postpartum Depression Screen Scale (PDSS). The significance level was defaulted as P < .05. RESULTS: Results will be published in relevant peer-reviewed journals. CONCLUSION: Our study aims to systematically assess the effects of regular exercise for overweight and obese gravidas, which will be provided clinical guidance for overweight and obese gravidas.