Funding outcome

Despite the well-established benefits of exercise during pregnancy, recent data suggest that 85% of women in Alberta fail to meet current guidelines for exercise during pregnancy. Failing to meet exercise guidelines (physical inactivity) is a risk factor, as strong as smoking for the future development of cardiovascular disease. The elevated risk is due, at least in part, to decreased blood vessel health. Sedentary (or sitting) time is distinct from physical inactivity (which can include standing, gentle walking or other activities that minimally increase heart rate). Sedentary time is independently associated with development of cardiovascular disease. It is not uncommon to be both physically active as well as sedentary (eg., a researcher who goes to the gym multiple times a week but sits at a computer most of their working day). Current information suggests that pregnant women are less likely to exercise and more likely to be sedentary than their non-pregnant counterparts We are in the final stages of data collection of a large WCHRl-funded study assessing the impact of exercise and sedentary behavior on cardiovascular health during pregnancy. Data from this project has already identified that exercise, but not sedentary behavior enhances blood pressure control during late pregnancy. The goal of this WCHRI studentship is to examine the impact of exercise and sedentary behaviour on vascular (arteries in the body) system function. This study will be the first to examine the independent impacts of these behaviours on vascular function and pregnancy outcome.