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Date of Graduation
Spring 2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Kinesiology
Abstract
Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between blood coagulation and fibrinolytic potential and physical activity. Physical activity levels to predict blood coagulation and fibrinolytic potential were also examined. Methods: Twenty-three pregnant women, aged 19-34 yrs, had a fasted blood draw between 6 and 10 a.m. analyzed for tPA antigen, tPA activity, PAI-1 antigen, and vWF antigen. Trimester specific volume of leisure time physical activity was assessed by the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) and converted to METmin/wk. Based on MAQ results, women were grouped as meeting (“active”) or not meeting (“sedentary”) physical activity recommendations established by American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Average daily step count was calculated from 2 week pedometer logs and women were categorized as “sedentary” (<5,000 steps/day) or “at least low active” (5,000+ steps/day) according to step count. Results: PAI-1 and tPA antigen were higher and tPA activity was lower during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy versus 2nd trimester. ANCOVA suggests gestational age produced an statistically significant model for predicting PAI-1, tPA activity, and tPA antigen, but not vWF; average METmin/wk and step count groupings did not produce a statistically significant model predicting PAI-1, tPA antigen, tPA activity, or vWF but approached statistical significance for tPA antigen (METmin/wk p = 0.073 and steps/day p = 0.057). METmin/wk predicted tPA antigen, during pregnancy, in a forward stepwise multiple regression. Linear regressions based on physical activity groups resulted in a significant y-intercept difference (p=0.047) for tPA antigen using step count classifications. No significant y-intercept or slope differences were seen in vWF in relationship to volume of physical activity using a linear regression model. Conclusion: It appears this is the first study to explore the relationship between hemostasis and volume of physical activity during pregnancy, thus providing an impetus for further cross sectional and longitudinal studies in this area. Future research is needed because pregnant women are predisposed to a number of thromboembolic complications and other health related issues related to hypercoagulation. Physical activity may enhance fibrinolytic and blood coagulation potential during pregnancy, as it can in non-pregnant adults
Recommended Citation
Nicewonger, Christine, "Volume of physical activity and hemostatic variables in pregnant women" (2011). Masters Theses, 2010-2019. 281.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/master201019/281
