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1095773 
Journal Article 
Influence of regular aerobic exercise on endothelium-dependent vasodilation and cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women 
Ramírez-Vélez, R; Aguilar de Plata, AC; Escudero, MM; Echeverry, I; Ortega, JG; Salazar, B; Rey, JJ; Hormiga, C; López-Jaramillo, P 
2011 
1 
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research
ISSN: 1341-8076
EISSN: 1447-0756 
37 
11 
1601-1608 
English 
21733037 
WOS:000298013300013 
AIM: To evaluate the effect of regular aerobic exercise on the endothelial function and cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women.

METHOD: This was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial of 64 healthy primigravid women between 16 and 20 weeks' gestation. The experimental group took part in aerobic exercise at an intensity of 50-65% of their maximum heart rate for 60 min, three times a week for 16 weeks. The control group undertook their usual physical activity. The outcomes were the endothelial function evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation and cardiorespiratory fitness evaluated by the maximum indirect oxygen consumption (VO2max) in a 6-min walk test.

RESULTS: Initially, no differences were found between the groups in any of the variables. At the end of the intervention, the participants that performed exercise showed a higher cardiorespiratory fitness, measured by the walked distance in the 6-min walk test (P = 0.014) and by the VO2max (P = 0.014). Also, the exercise group showed a lower heart rate at rest and a higher flow-mediated dilatation than the control group (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS: Regular aerobic exercise improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in pregnancy. This intervention may be an early and effective alternative to strengthen the prevention of disorders associated to endothelial dysfunction. 
aerobic fitness; cardiorespiratory fitness; endothelium; exercise; pregnancy