How to HIIT while pregnant? The protocol characteristics and effects of high intensity interval training implemented during pregnancy – A systematic review

Abstract

There is strong scientific evidence that prenatal physical activity of moderate-to-high in-tensity is a prerequisite of the proper course of pregnancy, childbirth and fetus development. How-ever, to date little data have been available on high intensity interval training (HIIT) performed during pregnancy. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aimed at: first, to characterize HIIT protocols used or planned to be implemented during pregnancy; second, to determine their training effects on participant’s health and obstetric outcomes. We included nine original works and three clinical trials in the analysis. The HIIT protocols substantially differed in terms of the training components (type, intensity, frequency, duration and progression) and the structure of intervals (intensity and time of workout and recovery intervals). Our most important finding is that performing HIIT during pregnancy is safe in terms of obstetric outcomes and well tolerated by pregnant participants, while providing them with the enjoyment of exercise. HIIT interventions either led to an improvement in selected maternal and fetal health parameters or had no impact. No adverse effects were observed. Pregnant women may benefit from HIIT programs in the same way as other populations. Evidence-based recommendations on prenatal HIIT should be developed and promoted worldwide among pregnant women, exercise and health professionals.

The influence of one-time biofeedback electromyography session on the firing order in the pelvic floor muscle contraction in pregnant woman–A randomized controlled trial

“…Teaching pregnant women how to perform PFM exercises seems to be particularly important to prevent PFM disorders such UI, both during and after pregnancy ( Davenport et al, 2018 ; Woodley et al, 2020 ). More and more women would like to continue their exercise programs during pregnancy, even based on the high-impact and high intensity activities ( Szumilewicz et al, 2022 ). Therefore, they should know how to use “the knack”–a quick, strong, well-timed PFM contraction, before and during physical stress increasing intraabdominal pressure (like jumping or running).…”

Current Research Trends, Hotspots, and Frontiers of Physical Activity during Pregnancy: A Bibliometric Analysis

“…The intensity of training and interval section was monitored and measured by maximal heart rate or Borg’s rate of perceived exertion scale [ 43 ], meanwhile the ratio of exercise and rest time depends on individual capabilities, training progression, and pregnancy stage [ 44 ]. With regards to obstetric outcomes, HIIT programs were proven to be safe and well-accepted by pregnant women regardless of the training components and interval structure [ 45 ], even during the third trimester [ 46 ]. Nonetheless, the association between health outcomes and different type, timing, or domain of activity patterns cannot be assured due to insufficient research evidence [ 33 ].…”

ACTIVE PREGNANCY: Workshop on Promotion of Physical Activity in Pregnancy for Exercise Professionals

“…One example of such a shift is high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which is gaining popularity in a wide variety of populations, including pregnant women. 65 As shown by Nagpal et al, 66 publicly available sources of information on how to implement HIIT in pregnancy are inconsistent and not evidence-based, which can lead to uncertainty in women and discourage them from continuing their favorite form of exercise. Another example of a significant change in the approach to exercise during pregnancy in some countries is the emphasis on the responsibility of the pregnant woman for her own health and that of the child.…”