Intensive training during a twin pregnancy. A case report.
This case study reports the clinical and physiological changes of a 33 year old elite marathoner undertaking intensive endurance training during and following a twin pregnancy. Prior to conception, the subject ran 155 km x week(-1) at an intensity equivalent to 140-180 b x min(-1) which following consultation decreased to 107 +/- 19 km x week(-1) at an intensity equivalent to 130-140 b x min(-1) during pregnancy. Physical exercise ceased 3 days prior to an elective Caesarean section following a 36 week gestation period and recommenced 8 days following the birth of healthy twins. Medical assessments conducted ante/post partum indicated that both the twins and mother were healthy. A field based test demonstrated that running velocity at a steady state HR of 140 b x min(-1), 150 b x min(-1) and 160 b x min(-1) decreased by 20%, 15% and 13% respectively between weeks 1 and 32 antepartum. Whole blood lactate ([La-]B), oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (V(E)/VO2), HR and Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) increased during a laboratory-based submaximal treadmill test at 29 weeks antepartum in comparison to a test conducted 10 weeks post partum. These data clearly demonstrate that it is possible for an elite endurance athlete to maintain a high level of cardiovascular fitness during pregnancy with no apparent adverse effects on maternal or foetal health. This will facilitate an earlier return to international competition.
Davies
B
B
School of Applied Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, S. Wales, UK.
Bailey
D M
DM
Budgett
R
R
Sanderson
D C
DC
Griffin
D
D
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D014427:Twins
D019344:Lactic Acid