RepOD

This database contains blood pressure data and glucose and lipid homeostasis biomarkers data collected in pregnant participants before (the 1^st assessment) and after 8-week interventions (the 2^nd assessment). The HIIT group participated in a novel prenatal high intensity interval training (HIIT), the EDU group was subjected to educational classes and performed physical activity on their own, in line with standard recommendations. We also presented data on participants’ characteristics: age, week of pregnancy, parity, physical activity level (based on International Physical Activity Questionnaire), education.

Before and after 8-weeks of interventions maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (mmHg) were measured at rest, in the morning on the day of the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), in a seated position using an electronic BP monitor (OMRON M5 Professional; Mannheim, Germany).

The cardiopulmonary data was collected based on the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), using a cycle ergometer with an electronically regulated load (Viasprint 150P; Germany) and a pulmonary gas analyzer (Oxycon Pro; Erich Jaeger GmbH, Germany). The maximal/peak oxygen uptake (VO_2/peak) was defined as the volume of oxygen consumed at maximal exertion sustained for 15 seconds.

On the days of exercise tests we assessed selected glucose and lipid metabolism biomarkers from blood samples in fasting condition. The levels of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, not high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides) were assessed on the same day of blood collection, in a commercial laboratory which has accreditation from the Polish Center for Accreditation (no. Nr AM 002). In the next step we assessed the levels of insulin, leptin, resistin and irisin. The blood (5 ml) was collected into BD Vacutainer® blood collection tubes (Catalogue no. 368774) containing a coagulation accelerator for serum separation. The serum was obtained by standard laboratory procedures (centrifuged at 2000 g for 10 min at 4 °C.), aliquoted into 500-ml portions, and frozen at −86 °C until analysis (at most 6 months from separation). Levels of serum insulin, leptin and resistin were determined using the Luminex^® technique with a high sensitivity kit (Milliplex MAP kit) from Bio-Techne Corporation. The analyses were done using a MAGPIX fluorescence detection system (Luminex Corp., Austin, TX, USA) with Luminex assays (Luminex Corp.; Luminex Human Magnetic Assays). Quantification of serum irisin was based on a competitive enzyme immunoassay (competitive ELISA) using Thermo Scientific™ Multiskan™ FC Microplate Photometer (Singapore). The assay kits were purchased from Phoenix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (catalog no. EK 067-29).

Based on this data first, we aimed to determine how an 8-week HIIT programme can affect insulin, leptin, resistin, and irisin levels and their role in BP regulation during pregnancy.

We concluded that physical activity in pregnancy, regardless of intensity, optimizes physiological and biochemical responses maintaining normotension. Our research is consistent with current recommendations that for a healthy pregnancy, women should be encouraged to engage in regular aerobic exercise. The novel conclusion from our work is that participants with healthy pregnancies can also be recommended more intensive interval training, above the anaerobic threshold. This type of exercise, thanks to the interconnection of hormones (including insulin, leptin, resistin and irisin), regulating the cardiovascular and metabolic systems, can help avoid blood pressure disorders without negatively affecting the course of pregnancy or neonatal outcomes.

This dataset was collected as part of a larger project on "The Effect of Pre- and Postnatal High Intensity Interval Training and Moderate Intensity Continuous Training on Biological, Functional and Psychological Markers of Pregnancy Disorders and Non-communicable Diseases in Mothers and Offsprings" (NCT05009433).