Abstract
Background During pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)is a
common complication. Although some exercise programs have been recommended
clinically, many pregnant women have low exercise compliance, making it
difficult to effectively control blood sugar. Therefore, this study constructed
an exercise intervention plan based on self-efficacy theory and explored the
effect of the program on blood glucose and pregnancy outcomes in patients with
gestational diabetes mellitus.
Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted. A usual exercise
program was implemented for the participants in the control group, and the
participants in the intervention group received an exercise program on the basis
of the control group and combined with the self-efficacy theory. Participants
were assessed based on exercise self-efficacy, blood glucose, weight gain,
exercise compliance, and pregnancy outcomes at week 4, week 8 and week 12.
Results One hundred three gestational diabetes mellitus patients were
recruited at baseline, 53 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group.
After the intervention, the exercise self-efficacy score and exercise compliance
of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group
(P<0.05). Fasting blood glucose, 2-h post-prandial plasma glucose,
weight gain during the intervention period, incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia,
and incidence of gestational hypertension were lower than those in the control
group (P<0.05).
Conclusion Implementing an exercise intervention based on self-efficacy
theory for gestational diabetes mellitus patients can improve exercise
self-efficacy and exercise compliance, effectively control blood glucose and
weight gain, improve pregnancy outcomes, and promote maternal and infant
safety.
Keywords
Gestational diabetes mellitus - Self-efficacy theory - Exercise intervention - Perinatal
management
