Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training during pregnancy in the management of preeclampsia: a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v75.116914Keywords:
HIIT, Pregnancy, preeclampsia, physical exerciseAbstract
Introduction: Preeclampsia is one of the most common and serious complications during pregnancy, with significant maternal and fetal consequences. Physical exercise has been proposed as a preventive strategy, but evidence on the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) during pregnancy remains limited.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of HIIT during pregnancy on preeclampsia and other outcomes related to maternal physical and mental health.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials evaluating HIIT interventions in pregnant women beyond 20 weeks of gestation were included. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus until April 2024. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool.
Results: Four studies with a total of 185 participants were included. Findings suggest that HIIT may improve or maintain maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), mental health, and functional capacity without reported adverse effects. No negative impact on glycemic response or blood pressure was observed.
Conclusion: HIIT during pregnancy appears to be a safe and potentially effective intervention to enhance cardiorespiratory and psychological health. However, current evidence is still limited and of moderate quality; more rigorous studies with larger sample sizes are needed.
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