Exercise and Recovery Responses to the Intensity of Walking during Pregnancy and Postpartum

Abstract

PURPOSE To examine the influence of the walking exercise intensity during pregnancy and postpartum on physiological and perceived exertion responses. METHODS Nine participants walked on a treadmill at 3, 5, and 6 km/h for 10 minutes followed by resting for 10 minutes after each speed. During exercise and resting, heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), and perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. RESULTS During pregnancy, HR at 5 and 6 km/h walking and the recovery HR from walking was higher at 3, 5, and 6 km/h than postpartum (p<.05). VO2 during pregnancy was higher than postpartum at 3 and 5 km/h walking (p<.05, p<.01). During pregnancy, RPE at 5 and 6 km/h walking was higher than postpartum (p<.001). Three pregnant women, due to abdominal cramp during walking at 6 km/h, no statistical comparisons in VO2 and RPE were adequate. During pregnancy, HR was higher as the exercise intensity increased, and the recovery was delayed. VO2 of pregnant women was higher during exercise than postpartum. CONCLUSIONS Since pregnancy changes many aspects of physiological and physical status, long term and systemic longitudinal studies providing objective index are warranted.

Keywords

• pregnancy
• heart rate
• oxygen uptake
• rating of perceived exertion
• exercise intensity index