Effects of different exercise modes during pregnancy on childhood obesity

Effect of Exercise Modality During Pregnancy on Childhood Obesity Risk

Not applicable Interventional East Carolina University · NCT04805502

This study is testing how different types of exercise during pregnancy can affect the health of overweight and obese moms and their babies to see which workouts are best for preventing childhood obesity.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorEast Carolina University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Greenville, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT04805502 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate how various exercise modes during pregnancy affect the cardiometabolic health of overweight and obese pregnant women and their infants. A total of 284 participants will be randomized into groups performing aerobic, resistance, or combined aerobic and resistance exercises, or no exercise at all. The infants' health will be monitored at 1, 6, and 12 months to assess the impact of maternal exercise on their growth and health outcomes. The goal is to identify the most effective exercise interventions that could lead to improved health recommendations for mothers and their children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are overweight or obese pregnant women aged 18 to 40 with a singleton pregnancy and less than 16 weeks of gestation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or obese, have multiple pregnancies, or have medical conditions that prevent exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and their children, potentially reducing the risk of childhood obesity and related health issues.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on the effects of different exercise modes during pregnancy, previous studies have shown positive outcomes from maternal exercise on health, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: 18 to 40 years old
* BMI between ≥ 25
* Pregnancy: Singleton; ≤ 16 weeks gestation
* Clearance by Obstetric provider for exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age: ≤ 17.9 or ≥ 41 years of age
* BMI \<25
* Multi fetal pregnancy
* Obstetric Provider does not provide clearance for exercise
* Unable or Unwilling to provide consent
* Inability to communicate with members of study team, despite use of interpreter
* Medical Conditions (e,g. HIV/Aids, Cancer, Type 1 or 2 Diabetes, Untreated Hypertension, Thyroid Disorders)
* Use of tobacco products, alcohol, recreational drugs, or medications (oral hypertensive, insulin)
* Unable to provide phone or email contact

Where this trial is running

Greenville, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PregnancyOverweight and Obesityexercise modes, exercise intervention
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.