A meta-analysis of the effects of resistance training on blood sugar and pregnancy outcomes

Xie Yaping; Zhao Huifen; Liu Chunhong; Huang Fengfeng; Huang Huibin; Zhao Meijing

doi:10.1016/j.midw.2020.102839

A meta-analysis of the effects of resistance training on blood sugar and pregnancy outcomes

Midwifery. 2020 Dec:91:102839. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2020.102839. Epub 2020 Sep 11.

Authors

Xie Yaping¹, Zhao Huifen², Liu Chunhong³, Huang Fengfeng⁴, Huang Huibin⁵, Zhao Meijing⁶

Affiliations

¹ The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China; Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.
² Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China. Electronic address: 624633497@qq.com.
³ Outpatient Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou,Fujian Province, China.
⁴ Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.
⁵ Endocrinology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.
⁶ Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.

PMID: 33010591
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2020.102839

Abstract

Problem: There are different conclusions about the effects of resistance training on blood sugar levels and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients.

Background: Resistance training is recommended as an easier and more practical method to exercise for women with GDM due to their growing belly. Although some researchers have explored this notion, there are no consistent conclusions about its effects.

Aim: To explore whether resistance training has an effect on blood sugar levels and pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM in randomized controlled trials.

Method: Pubmed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Clinical Trials, CKNI, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were systematically searched since their establishment to April 2019. Relevant meta-analyses, reviews, and eligible literature were also searched. The quality of the included literature was evaluated according to the Cochrane Assessment Manual 5.1.0. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3 software.

Findings: A total of four studies (n = 242 patients) were included. Compared to the control group, there were statistical differences in fasting blood glucose level [MD=-0.37, 95%CI=(-0.65, -0.09), Z = 2.62, P = 0.009], average 2-h post-meal blood glucose level [MD=-0.96, 95%CI=(-1.80, -0.12), Z = 2.25, P = 0.02], insulin dosage [MD=-0.58, 95%CI=(-0.99, -0.17), Z = 2.75, P = 0.006], rate of insulin injection [RR=0.52, 95%CI=(0.31, 0.86), Z = 2.54, P = 0.01], and incidence of macrosomia [RR=0.15, 95%CI=(0.04,0.66), Z = 2.53, P = 0.01] in the intervention group consisting of GDM patients. There were no statistical differences in preterm delivery outcomes [RR=0.44, 95%CI=(0.09, 2.16), Z = 1.01, P = 0.31].

Conclusion: Resistance training can improve blood sugar levels, insulin usage, and some adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM and is therefore worthy of clinical promotion.

Keywords: Blood sugar control; Gestational diabetes mellitus; Meta-analysis; Non-drug intervention; Resistance training.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Blood Glucose / analysis*
Blood Glucose / physiology
Correlation of Data
Diabetes, Gestational / epidemiology
Diabetes, Gestational / therapy
Female
Humans
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Outcome / epidemiology
Resistance Training / methods
Resistance Training / standards*

Substances

Blood Glucose