Exercise Training in Pregnancy for obese women (ETIP): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

<p/> <p>Background</p> <p>Both maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain are increasing in prevalence and associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mother and child. Observational studies regarding physical activity in pregnancy have found reduced weight gain in active mothers, as well as reduced risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is however a lack of high quality, randomized controlled trials on the effects of regular exercise training in pregnancy, especially those with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) at or above 30 kg/m².</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We are conducting a randomised, controlled trial in Norway with two parallel arms; one intervention group and one control group. We will enroll 150 previously sedentary, pregnant women with a pre-pregnancy BMI at or above 30 kg/m². The intervention group will meet for organized exercise training three times per week, starting in gestation week 14 (range 12-16). The control group will get standard antenatal care. The main outcome measure will be weight gain from baseline to delivery. Among the secondary outcome measures are changes in exercise capacity, endothelial function, physical activity level, body composition, serum markers of cardiovascular risk, incontinence, lumbopelvic pain and cardiac function from baseline to gestation week 37 (range 36-38). Offspring outcome measures include anthropometric variables at birth, Apgar score, as well as serum markers of inflammation and metabolism in cord blood.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The results of this trial will provide knowledge about effects of regular exercise training in previously sedentary, obese pregnant women. If the program proves effective in reducing gestational weight gain and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such programs should be considered as part of routine pregnancy care for obese women.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01243554">NCT01243554</a></p

Associations between intelligence, everyday executive functions, and symptoms of mental health problems in children and adolescents with mild intellectual disability

Background: Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities have been found to have a higher prevalence of symptoms of mental health problems than the general population, but it is unclear whether these challenges are related to intelligence. The aim of this study was to explore the associations among symptoms of mental health problems, everyday executive functions and intelligence in this group. Methods: Forty children and adolescents, pre-diagnosed with mild intellectual disability, were assessed for symptoms of mental health problems, intelligence, and everyday executive functions. The associations were explored using linear regression analyses. Results: Symptoms of mental health problems were associated with everyday executive functions but not with intelligence. The prevalence of mental health problems within the group was three to four times higher than what is typically observed in the general population. Conclusion: Although a remarkably high prevalence of symptoms of mental health problems was found among children and adolescents with pre-diagnosed mild intellectual disability, no relationship to intelligence was discovered in this population. Instead, a relationship between everyday executive functions and symptoms of mental health problems was found. Assessing everyday executive functions in children and adolescents with mild intellectual disability can provide valuable information about what support should be provided to prevent mental health problems in this population.publishedVersio