Evaluation of fetal status during KAATSU training^|^reg; in the third trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

[Objective] We explored KAATSU training performed in a pregnant woman was safe for the fetus at the third thrimester of pregnancy. [Methods] A 36-year-old primigravida woman underwent non-stress tests (NST) at 29 weeks and 6 days (29w6d) and 30w4d of gestation in three states: resting (no exercise load), biceps curls using a 1 kg load without restricted blood flow, and biceps curls under a 1 kg load with arm blood flow restriction (BFR) with KAATSU belts, a specially designed elastic pressure cuffs. In addition, maternal hemodynamics using a Task Force Monitor and umbilical artery resistance index (UARI) using pulse wave Doppler duplex system were measured during femoral BFR with KAATSU belts at 31w1d. [Results] All of NST results showed that the fetal status was considered to be good and appropriate for the gestational age. Although femoral BFR caused a reduction in the maternal preload, the UARI did not change. [Conclusion] Under the test conditions used in the present study, KAATSU training had no direct influence on the fetal status and utero-placental circulation. However, as the absence of fetal status influence of KAATSU training could not be confirmed, further investigation will be necessary.