Postpartum CO Rehabilitation

ConditionsGestational Hypertension Preeclampsia (PE)

Trial statusNot yet recruiting

Trial phaseNot applicable

Trial typeInterventional

Biological sexFemale

Age18+

SponsorCentre Integre Universitaire de Sante et Services Sociaux du Nord de l'ile de Montreal

About this trial

Some women who develop high blood pressure during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, may continue to have slightly or moderately high blood pressure after giving birth. This can increase their risk of heart disease later in life. Managing blood pressure and adopting a healthy lifestyle after pregnancy could help lower this risk.

Right now, the investigators don't know much about how postpartum rehabilitation programs focused on heart and pregnancy-related health could help women with these conditions. However, a feasibility study suggests that exercise programs might help reduce blood pressure and encourage healthier lifestyles in these women.

In this study, the investigators are testing an 8-week exercise program to see how it affects blood pressure, fitness, and blood vessel health. The investigators will compare the results with a group of women who receive usual healthcare, which includes verbal advice on healthy living but no supervised exercise sessions.

This type of program, called cardio-obstetric rehabilitation, combines exercises for heart health with specialized care for women's health.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

are 3 to 6 months postpartum, willing, and able to give informed consent for participation;

are more than 18 years old;

are able to access and use a computer, mobile phone and internet (for online sessions);

were diagnosed with GH (BP higher than 139/89 mmHg after 20 gestational weeks) or PE (BP higher than 139/89 mmHg and proteinuria after 20 gestational weeks) during pregnancy.

Disqualifiers

have chronic (pre-existing) hypertension (BP>139/89 mmHg pre-pregnancy, <20 weeks' gestation or after 6 weeks postpartum);

received antihypertensive drug therapy prior to pregnancy or after 6 weeks postpartum;

are taking beta-blockers for any reason;

participated in exercise activity programs regularly before 3-month postpartum (more than 2 hour of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week);

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

Postpartum Cardio-obstetric Rehabilitation Program
Other intervention
The intervention consists of an 8-week exercise and education program with a hybrid format (in person, virtual and pre-recorded sessions). The aerobic exercise intensity will progressively increase from 50 to 85% of Targeted Heart Rate Range (THRR), calculated for middle-aged women using the maximal heart rate (HR) estimated as 206 - (0.88 x age) . First and second weeks training will target an intensity of 50-65% THRR, third and fourth weeks will target 65 to 75% of THRR, fifth to seventh weeks will target 75 to 80%, and eighth week will target 85%. Participants will use Fitbit Charge-6 to monitor THRR during exercise sessions. Pelvic floor, body alignment/core stability, balance, and low back pain prevention exercises will be added to each in-person session and repeated during the online session. Participants from the intervention group will receive recommendations to progressively reach daily 10,000 steps throughout the intervention period.

Treatment groups

40 Participants

are divided into 2 treatment groups

Group A: Rehabilitation GroupExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group B: Control groupNo intervention 0 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

Office Blood Pressure

Resting office BP will be measured with the patient in the sitting position after 5 minutes at rest using a validated automated sphygmomanometer according to established practice guidelines . Three readings will be taken at intervals of 2 minutes.

Time frame