Physiological Effects of Aquatic Exercise in Pregnant Women on Bed Rest.
This pilot study examined the effectiveness of an Aquatic Exercise Program (AEP) provided by an occupational therapist for pregnant women on hospitalized bed rest. Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of hospitalized pregnant women comparing those who attended an AEP (n = 19) to a control group who received no AEP (n = 12). Statistical tests were used to assess evidence of differences in length of gestation as well as blood pressure and amniotic fluid index (AFI) at discharge. Women who received an AEP had increased AFI and length of gestation compared to the control group. This study supports the use of an AEP as an intervention for pregnant women on prescribed bed rest. Further research is recommended to validate these findings with a larger sample.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, Texas , USA.
Dawndra M
DM
Sechrist
Cynthia Gorter
CG
Tiongco
Sandra M
SM
Whisner
Matthew D
MD
Geddie
D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D001510:Bed Rest; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D036801:Parturition; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055656:Prescriptions; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014867:Water
D014867:Water
Amniotic fluid index; Aquatic exercise program; Bed rest; Pregnancy