Exercise prescription in pregnancy: Weight-bearing versus non-weight-bearing exercise

Bicycle ergometry (non-weight-bearing exercise) and treadmill (weight-bearing exercise) were compared to assess physiologic responses to similar work loads. A total of 22 subjects at 29.3 ± 1.6 (±SEM) weeks' gestation who performed non-weight-bearing exercise were compared with 15 similarly fit subjects at 26.1 ± 2.3 weeks' gestation who performed weight-bearing exercise at three submaximal levels. Measurements by indirect calorimetry indicate preferential carbohydrate use during non-weight-bearing exercise at submaximal levels.