Cardiorespiratory fitness and health‐related quality of life in women at risk for gestational diabetes

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 2018-01, Vol.28 (1), p.203-211
• Main Authors: Engberg, E., Tikkanen, H. O., Koponen, A., Hägglund, H., Kukkonen‐Harjula, K., Tiitinen, A., Peltonen, J. E., Pöyhönen‐Alho, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diabetes; Exercise; female; Gestational diabetes; maximal oxygen uptake; physical activity; Physical fitness; Pregnancy; Quality of life; Risk factors; self‐rated health; Womens health
• ISSN: 0905-7188; 1600-0838
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.12896

This study examined the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) with health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in women at risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The participants were 39 women planning pregnancy with a history of GDM and/or BMI >29 kg/m2. We assessed CRF by measuring maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) during incremental cycle ergometer exercise until voluntary fatigue. LTPA was self‐reported, and HRQoL assessed with the SF‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36). The mean (SD) VO2max was 27 (6) mL·kg−1·min−1, and the mean LTPA was 2.6 (1.7) h/wk. After controlling for BMI, VO2max was positively associated with the SF‐36 General Health scale (β 1.27, 95% CI: 0.09, 2.44, P=.035) and the Physical Component Summary (β 0.48, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.82, P=.007). The General Health scale (P=.023) and the Physical Component Summary (P=.011) differed even between those with very poor and poor CRF. After controlling for BMI, LTPA was positively associated with the SF‐36 Physical Functioning scale (rs=.34, P=.039), the General Health scale (β 3.74, 95% CI: 0.64, 6.84, P=.020), and the Physical Component Summary (β 1.13 95% CI: 0.19, 2.06, P=.020). To conclude, CRF and LTPA were positively associated with perceived general health and physical well‐being in women planning pregnancy and at risk for GDM. Even a slightly better CRF would be beneficial for well‐being among women with low levels of CRF.