Translational studies for exercise in high-risk pregnancy: Pre-eclampsia model

ABSTRACT

Objective: Reviewed literature regarding exercise effects on pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, analyzing basic science perspectives and clinical studies. Methods: Scientific databases were accessed by research strategy combining Medical Subject Headings terms. Studies published between 2000 and 2015, in English, Portuguese, and Spanish language, were considered. Results: Studies were classified into: recommendations for exercise on high-risk pregnancy; animal models for hypertension in pregnancy; exercise on hypertensive disorders in animal models and pregnant women. Conclusion: There are several animal models to mimic hypertensive disorders in pregnancy; however, clinical studies are still needed for exercise recommendation in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders.

KEYWORDS:

• High-risk pregnancy
• motor activity
• pre-eclampsia
• pregnancy-induced hypertension
• translational medical research

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.