[Physical performance in pregnancy].

Abstract

To evaluate their physical efficiency, 14 healthy untrained women were examined during pregnancy weeks 16-20, 25-29 and 34-38 and 5 to 10 weeks post partum, by spiroergometry at various exercise levels on the bicycle ergometer. Besides the spiroergometric values, circulatory parameters were measured and serum analyses were carried out. The physical efficiency of the subjects was by no means reduced in the stages of pregnancy investigated. Indeed, several factors indicated an improvement of performance. Thus common features were found regarding the physiological effects of pregnancy and endurance training: increase of the maximum oxygen uptake, lower lactate production when the aerobic/anaerobic threshold was exceeded at high exercise intensity, as well as a relatively lower pulse under exercise. The increased metabolic fat utilisation for energy production in physical work is likewise similar to the effect of endurance training. Many pregnant women occasionally feel that they have reduced physical efficiency. Pregnant subjects were subjected to a standardised exercise test to appraise these complaints objectively. The study carried out was intended to answer the question as to whether the specific processes of adaptation of the cardiopulmonary system in pregnancy would lead to an impairment of physical efficiency. Furthermore, the question was to be answered as to whether the altered metabolic conditions of pregnant women under exercise will influence energy production from carbohydrate and fat metabolism.