High-Intensity Functional Training in Pregnancy: A Case Study

Abstract

High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is a popular activity that combines high effort and compound exercises. Many women aged 20 to 40 who are expected to become pregnant soon are also fond on it. HIFT is an activity in which the heart rate increases significantly, there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, free weights are also used. There is poor evidence of HIFT and its effect on pregnancy or childbirth. The subject of this case study was a healthy woman (31 years old) who has long term experience with HIFT. The aim of the study was to analyze training regime (length, intensity, heart rate) and number of steps in the period from the 1st to the 38th week. The effect on the health of the mother and the fetus, the delivery and the birth weight were monitored. The findings show that with an optimally set training program, HIFT can be a safe activity that has no adverse effect on pregnancy, fetal health or childbirth. This is the first such study, so further research is needed.