The effects of exercise during pregnancy on the newborn`s brain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (Trials)

Background: It is generally accepted that an active lifestyle is beneficial for cognition in children, adultsand the elderly. Recently, studies using the rat animal model found that the pups of motherswho exercised during pregnancy had increased hippocampal neurogenesis and better memoryand learning abilities. The aim of this report is to present the experimental protocol of a studythat is designed to verify if an active lifestyle during pregnancy in humans has an impact onthe newborn`s brain. Methods: 60 pregnant women will be included in a randomized controlled study. The experimentalgroup will be asked to exercise a minimum of 20 minutes three times per week, at a minimalintensity of 55% of their maximal aerobic capacity. The control group will not be exercising.The effect of exercise during pregnancy on the newborn`s brain will be investigated 8 to 12days postpartum by means of the mismatch negativity, a neurophysiological brain potentialthat is associated to auditory sensory memory. We hypothesize that children born to motherswho exercised during their pregnancy will present shorter latencies and larger mismatchnegativity amplitudes, indicating more efficient auditory memory processes.DiscussionAs of September 2011, 17 women have joined the study. Preliminary results show that theexperimental group are active 3.1 +/- 0.9 days per week while the control group only exercise0.8 +/- 0.6 days per week. The results of this study will present insight on fetal neuroplasticityand will be a valuable tool for health professionals who wish to encourage pregnant womento exercise.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov registration: NTC01220778