Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Dr. Michelle Mottola

Abstract

Hospitalised high-risk pregnant women (HHRPW) report physiological deconditioning similar to non-pregnant bed-rested patients. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an in-bed resistance exercise program to reduce the side-effects of activity-restriction in HHRPW. It was hypothesized that HHRPW who exercised while in hospital would have better functional ability and a higher quality of life at two months postpartum compared to HHRPW with no exercise program. HHRPW were activity-restricted (1940 ±1405 steps/day) in hospital and reported high rates of anxiety and depression. Nine women were randomized to either a supervised in-bed exercise (n=5) or into a music only control group (n=4). HHRPW in the exercise group had improved mood states in hospital and significantly longer gestation (34.5 weeks vs 32.4 weeks; p

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