The Role of Physical Activity During Pregnancy on Metabolic Function, Inflammation, and Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes

Completed

Conditions studied: Obesity, Pregnancy Related

In brief

Maternal obesity during pregnancy is a serious public health concern as it contributes to inflammation, insulin resistance, and excessive gestational weight gain- all of which negatively impact maternal and neonatal health. Fortunately, physical activity during pregnancy improves obstetric and infant outcomes associated with obesity. Specifically, data from our group demonstrated that irrespective of body weight, women who were physically-active during pregnancy had lower levels of systemic inflammation; however, the mechanism/s driving these changes are poorly understood. Previous studies in non-gravid populations suggest obesity-associated overnutrition may contribute to inflammation and this subsequent inflammation may lead to further metabolic dysfunction- perpetuating a vicious cycle. However, the connections between physical activity, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction (i.e. metabolic inflexibility), particularly in response to a high-fat meal (similar to that which is typically consumed in a Western diet), among lean and obese pregnant women have not been studied. Thus, this study will examine the impact of a physically-active lifestyle on inflammatory and metabolic responses to a high-fat meal in lean and obese pregnant women. Understanding mechanisms connecting maternal physical activity to improved outcomes will better inform future targeted intervention strategies. The goal of this study is to determine the role of a physically-active lifestyle during pregnancy on metabolic function and inflammation following a high-fat meal in lean and obese pregnant women.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03504319

Run by

Western Kentucky University

People needed

64

Starts

2016-05-01

Expected to finish

2018-06-30

Last updated by the study team

2020-05-20

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 44. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 18-44
• Confirmed singleton viable pregnancy with no fetal abnormalities at routine 18-22 ultrasonography
• Receipt of prenatal care and plans to deliver at The Medical Center in Bowling Green, KY
• Completion of a normal routine, standard of care gestational diabetes screen
• Physician release to participate in the study procedures

You may not qualify if…

• Multiple gestation pregnancy
• Inability to provide voluntary informed consent
• Current use of illegal drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, etc…)
• Current smoker who does not consent to cessation
• Current usage of daily medications by class: corticosteroids, anti-psychotics (known to alter insulin resistance and metabolic profiles)
• History of gestational diabetes, pre-pregnancy diabetes or prior macrosomic (>4500g) infant (each elevate the risk for gestational diabetes in the current pregnancy, or undiagnosed gestational diabetes)
• Dietary restrictions prohibiting them from consuming the standardized meal/high-fat load

Where it is running

• Western Kentucky University — Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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