Effect of Continuous and Interval Physical Exercise on Weight and Biochemical Profile of Pregnant Wistar Rats and Consequences on Fetal Body Weight

Abstract

Exercise training is known for its benefits to the body and mind. However, little is known about the effects of endurance training intensity on pregnancy. We tested the effects of continuous and intermittent exercises (maternal swimming) on the biochemical profile of pregnant Wistar rats and the effects of these exercises on the fetal body weight. The pregnant females (n=60) were divided in control group (GC), continuous exercise group (GCON) and intermittent exercise group (GIN). GC group rats did not practice exercises. GON group rats practiced continuous swimming for 45 minutes a day (five days a week) carrying a bag with 5% of its body weight. GIN group rats practiced intermittent swimming (15 seconds of swimming and 15 seconds stopped) for 45 minutes a day (five days a week) carrying a bag with 15% of its body weight. These exercises were made from the day one until 20(0) day of pregnancy. At the end of this period, we analyzed the mother's glycemia, cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides. We also analyzed fetal body weight. No significant modifications on glycemia and plasma lipids (except for LDL-C) were observed in the tree groups. We observed reduction on the fetal body weight in the pups that had their mothers practicing exercises: fetal body weight in GC > GIN > GON (4,153 +/- 0,649; 3,682 +/- 0,070 and 3,453 +/- 0,052 respectively). These results showed that the continuous and intermittent exercise only performed in pregnancy period decreases fetus body weight.