Last updated August 29, 2026
Key finding
An apparent reduction was recorded in the incidence of GDM in the exercise group (2 cases; 6.1%) compared to the control group (9 cases; 27.3%), with an odds ratio of 0.1 (95% CI 0.02, 0.95; p = 0.04).
This study evaluated the impact of exercise training during pregnancy on gestational weight gain and other health outcomes. It found a significant reduction in gestational diabetes incidence and systolic blood pressure in the exercise group.
Quick read
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EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
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Study focus
This study evaluated the impact of exercise training during pregnancy on gestational weight gain and other health outcomes. It found a significant reduction in gestational diabetes incidence and systolic blood pressure in the exercise group.
These findings suggest that incorporating exercise into prenatal care could be beneficial for reducing the risk of gestational diabetes, which is associated with adverse outcomes for both mothers and babies. Lowering systolic blood pressure may also improve maternal health during pregnancy.
The study's sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings. The effectiveness of the exercise intervention was not clearly established for all outcomes. Potential confounding factors were not fully controlled for in the analysis.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Kirsti KG, Siv M, Øyvind S, Trine M, Nicholas JW. Exercise Training in Pregnancy to Prevent Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PLOS Medicine. 2016;13(7):e1002079. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002079
The mean gestational weight gain was 10.5 kg in the exercise group versus 9.2 kg in the control group, with no significant difference (p = 0.43).
The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly lower in the exercise group (6.1%) compared to the control group (27.3%), with an odds ratio of 0.1 (p = 0.04).
Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the exercise group (mean 120.4 mm Hg) compared to the control group (mean 128.1 mm Hg), with a mean difference of -7.73 mm Hg (p = 0.006).
No significant differences were observed in diastolic blood pressure between the groups.
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Exercise therapy and Diastolic blood pressure, Gestational diabetes mellitus incidence, Gestational weight gain, and 1 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Exercise therapy
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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4
Evidence pairs
795
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_intervention_and_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Exercise therapy → Diastolic blood pressure
Exercise therapy → Diastolic blood pressure
Exercise therapy → Gestational diabetes mellitus incidence
Exercise therapy → Gestational diabetes mellitus incidence
Exercise therapy → Gestational weight gain
Exercise therapy → Gestational weight gain
Exercise therapy → Systolic blood pressure
Exercise therapy → Systolic blood pressure
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Exercise therapy and Blood Pressure, Exercise therapy and Diabetes Incidence and Prevention.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Blood Pressure
Measures Blood Pressure as a key outcome.
All studies on Exercise therapy
Contributes to Exercise therapy evidence base.
All studies measuring Body Weight
Measures Body Weight as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Diabetes Incidence and Prevention
Measures Diabetes Incidence and Prevention as a key outcome.
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3 results
2 results
3 results
3 results
2 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Exercise therapy appears to improve systolic blood pressure.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Systolic blood pressure
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 79.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Exercise therapy may reduce gestational diabetes mellitus incidence.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
Gestational diabetes mellitus incidence
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Exercise therapy for gestational weight gain.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Gestational weight gain
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Exercise therapy for diastolic blood pressure.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Diastolic blood pressure
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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