Exercise during Pregnancy May Lower Risk for Obesity in Unborn Child
According to research literature, weightlifting and aerobic training during pregnancy has been shown to be safe and beneficial to the mother and unborn child. Special training protocol must be adhered to however, and the pregnant mother should always undergo prior consultation with a physician. A recent study published in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism explored this subject by examining the effects of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on offspring birth weight and development of maternal insulin resistance. Significant evidence dictates that increased birth size is associated with a greater risk for the development of obesity in childhood. Restriction of maternal insulin resistance on the other hand can limit nutrient availability to the fetus, resulting in the lack of fetal development and dangerously low birth sizes. Paul Hofman, a co-author of the study explains that the moderate-intensity aerobic exercise implemented had a positive impact on nutrient stimulation of fetal growth resulting in a reduced birth weight without altering insulin sensitivity dynamics in the mother. This is an ideal combination of results as structured exercise usually results in a reduction of insulin resistance. As theorized by Hofman, “the physiological response to pregnancy…supersede(s) the chronic improvements in insulin sensitivity previously described in response to exercise training…” In the randomized trial, 84 first-time mothers were assigned to either an exercise group or control group. The exercise group engaged in five, 40 minute sessions of stationary cycling per week until at least 36 weeks gestation. Insulin sensitivity was assessed at 19 and 34-36 weeks gestation, while birth weight and BMI were measured within 48 hours of birth. The training had no effect on maternal body weight or BMI, insulin resistance from baseline to late gestation, or any other parameters of glucose regulation. Offspring of the exercisers were 143 +/- 94 grams lighter than the control subjects, with no variations in birth length. According to this study, it may be suggested that moderate-intensity aerobic training can provide for desirable adaptations within this special population as it relates to disease risk and optimal development. (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2010)

Mobility Issues in Middle-aged Americans
The prevalence of diminished mobility and capacity to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) seen in individuals ages 65 and over is considered one of the most significant health care concerns in North America. A recent study published in the journal Health Affairs examines statistical data pertaining to disability trends found among Americans aged 50 to 64 by analyzing updated information derived from the 1997 to 2007 National Health Interview Survey. It was found that the percentage of middle-aged Americans who report disabilities related to mobility increased compared to the prevalence seen within the last few decades. This is in direct contrast to a disability decline examined in Americans ages 65 and over. The reason for this increase is not particularly clear, but it appears that a majority of the health problems are initiated in the third and fourth decades. Linda Martin, the lead author of the study states that, “although the overall rate of needing help with personal care among this group remains very low – less than 2 percent – this rise in disability is reason for concern.” The 1997 to 2007 National Health Interview Survey derived information from thousands of community-dwelling Americans each year about a broad range of issues regarding health status. More than 40% of individuals aged 50 to 64 reported that they had problems with at least one of nine physical functions addressed in the survey. Over the 10 year period, a significant increase was noted in the proportion of people reporting problems with stooping, standing for 2 hours, walking a quarter mile, or climbing 10 steps without resting. Many of the mobility issues reported within the survey were attributed to back or neck problems, diabetes, depression, anxiety, or arthritis. It is suggested that the reported increases in mobility issues within this age group may reflect true deterioration of health patterns, improved awareness of conditions due to efficient diagnosis protocol, or the extended lifespan of individuals with disabilities that began in the first and second decades. Vicki Freedman, a study co-author states that “patterns suggest the need for prevention and early intervention before the age of Medicare eligibility.” It appears that lowered mobility in the middle-aged population is due to numerous dynamics, but it would be prudent to suggest that the lowered levels of physical activity seen among all population segments may have a part to play in the emergent issue. (Health Affairs, 2010)