PreeclampsiaNCT07255677
Effect of Stretching Exercises Versus Aerobic Exercises on Preeclampsia
A study testing Stretching exercises program, Aerobic exercises program and Antihypertensive drugs in people with Preeclampsia, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
The purpose of the study is to compare between the effect of stretching exercises and aerobic exercises on preeclampsia. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 30 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Preeclampsia
- What is being tested?
- Stretching exercises program, Aerobic exercises program and Antihypertensive drugs
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 30 Nov 2025to 20 Jan 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 30 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Their ages ranged from 20-30 years old.
- Their body mass index (BMI) didn't exceed 35 Kg\m2.
- All women primigravida.
- All women are complaining of mild preeclampsia.
Who cannot join
- Chronic disease (diabetes mellitus, thyroid, hypertension, nephrotic).
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Placenta previa.
- Physical and psychological disorders.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Mai Mohamed Ali, PhD contact
Egypt1 site
Cairo University
Giza
Mai Khaled Abdrabo Naeem, B.Sc, +20 102 176 6648, maikhaled2594@yahoo.com
About this study
The purpose of the study is to compare between the effect of stretching exercises and aerobic exercises on preeclampsia.
Read the detailed description
Preeclampsia increases maternal morbidity and mortality since the 1980s, Studies from the World Health Organization also showed an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke with history of hypertension in pregnancy. In addition to this increased risk of thrombosis, there is also increased morbidity and mortality associated specifically with stroke in these women. PE lead to preterm delivery and increase neonatal morbidity such as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Risk of Fet al Demise/Stillbirth, and infants have a nine times greater incidence of respiratory distress syndrome than full-term neonate.
Medical treatments of preeclampsia . have a lot of side effects on mother and fetus. So, we are going to study more effective noninvasive therapy methods to prevent and decrease the risk of PE. In this randomized controlled study (RCT).
Several studies have explored the impact of exercise on the management and prevention of preeclampsia:
The Effect of Maternal Exercise Program on Fet al Growth in Pre-Eclampsia: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial investigated the impact of a structured maternal exercise program on fet al growth in women diagnosed with preeclampsia. The findings suggested that regular, supervised exercise could positively influence fet al growth parameters in this cases. Impact of Exercise Training on Preeclampsia: Potential Preventive Mechanisms This review examined the potential mechanisms through which exercise training might reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. The authors discussed how regular physical activity could improve endothelial function, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses, thereby potentially lowering preeclampsia risk. Aerobic Exercise Training in Formerly Preeclamptic Women: Effects on Venous Reserve In this study, they examined the effects of aerobic exercise training on venous reserves in 24 normotensive formerly preeclamptic women and 20 controls. Before and after 12-week aerobic exercise training, they demonstrate that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training effectively improves venous reserve capacity in postpartum women. An umbrella review by Martínez highlighted that prenatal exercise can lead to systolic blood pressure (SBP) reductions of about 9.6 mmHg, alongside significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) - with substantial evidence quality. In 2023 a meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (2010-2023) confirmed that prenatal physical activity reduces the risk of gestational hypertensive disorders by 56% and lowers SBP by 2.64 mmHg and DBP by 1.99 mmHg. More specifically, a meta-analysis focusing on aerobic and resistance training showed that while exercise didn't significantly change BP in low-risk pregnancies, in at-risk women it reduced SBP by 3.91 mmHg and DBP by 2.9 mmHg.
Another meta-analysis of 18 RCTs reported overall mean reductions of SBP by 3.19 mmHg and DBP by 2.14 mmHg in exercising pregnant women compared to controls.
Comparing studies like study done by Awad 2019 to find Effect of stretching exercises versus autogenic training on preeclampsia research published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology \& Research compared the effects of stretching exercises and autogenic training on preeclamptic women. The study found that both interventions led to significant reductions in blood pressure and proteinuria levels, with stretching exercises showing a slightly more pronounced effect. This indicates that stretching can be an effective non-pharmacological approach to managing preeclampsia symptoms, another comparison of walking versus stretching exercises to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia: a randomized clinical trial a study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that pregnant women with a history of preeclampsia who engaged in regular stretching exercises experienced a lower incidence of the condition compared to those who participated in walking programs. Specifically, 5% of women in the stretching group developed preeclampsia, versus 14% in the walking group. The researchers hypothesized that stretching might increase levels of transferrin, a protein that combats oxidative stress, thereby offering protective benefits.
- Conditions
- Preeclampsia
- Being tested
- Stretching exercises program, Aerobic exercises program, Antihypertensive drugs
- Medical subject headings
- Pre-Eclampsia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Stretching exercises programOther
Each woman in the first experimental group will follow a supervised stretching exercise program three times per week for six weeks. Sessions will begin with deep breathing warm-up, followed by stretching each target muscle for 10 seconds with 10 seconds relaxation for the first two weeks, 15 seconds stretching and relaxation in weeks three and four, and 20 seconds in weeks five and six. Each stretch will be repeated 10 times per session. After six weeks, women will be instructed to continue these exercises until delivery.
Aerobic exercises programOther
The second experimental group will follow a supervised aerobic exercise program of mild to moderate intensity (40%-60% HRmax, calculated as 220 minus age). Heart rate will be monitored before and during exercise. The program, conducted three times per week for six weeks, will start with a 5-minute low-speed walking warm-up. In the first two weeks, this will be followed by 10 minutes on a treadmill (King Fitness Model 8000AC), 5 minutes relaxation, 10 minutes on a stationary bike (GRASP93026), and 5 minutes relaxation. In weeks three and four, treadmill and bike sessions will increase to 15 minutes each, with 10 minutes relaxation between. In weeks five and six, treadmill and bike time will increase to 20 minutes, with 15 minutes relaxation between. After six weeks, women will continue these exercises until delivery.
Antihypertensive drugsDrug
Also called labipress
All women in both groups will be treated by antihypertensive drugs (labipress) for 6 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Stretching exercises program + Antihypertensive drugs | Experimental | It will consist of 30 women with mild preeclampsia. They will be treated with a stretching exercise program, conducted three times per week for six weeks, alongside antihypertensive drugs. Receives: Other: Stretching exercises program; Drug: Antihypertensive drugs |
| Aerobic exercises program + Antihypertensive drugs | Experimental | It will consist of 30 women with mild preeclampsia. They will be treated with an aerobic exercise program, conducted three times per week for six weeks, alongside antihypertensive drugs. Receives: Other: Aerobic exercises program; Drug: Antihypertensive drugs |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Measurement of arterial blood pressure
Arterial blood pressure will be measured from the right arm while the woman is in a half-lying position. The measurement will be the mean of three trials. Each woman in both groups will be assessed before and after the six-week treatment period.
Measured: 6 weeks
Measurement of proteinuria
Each woman in both groups will be asked to collect a 24-hour urine sample in sterilized glass bottles for measurement of protein levels. This collection will take place before and after the six-week treatment period.
Measured: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Body mass index (BMI) measurement
The BMI of each woman in both groups will be calculated before and after treatment with this calculation:
Body mass index (BMI)= Weight (Kg) / Height (m2).
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Dec 2025
- Study start30 Nov 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion15 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Jan 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for PreeclampsiaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mai Khaled Abdrabo Naeem, Cairo University
- Investigators
- Mohamed Ahmad Mohamed Awad, PhD, Study chair, Professor, Cairo universityMai Mohamed Ali, PhD, Study director, Assistant Professor, Cairo UniversityAmir Araby Gabre, PhD, Study director, Professor, Cairo university
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07255677
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/005974
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 20 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 1 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 1 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Stretching Exercises Versus Aerobic Exercises on Preeclampsia
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07255677
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- P.T.REC/012/005974
- Conditions
- Preeclampsia
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 30 Nov 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of the study is to compare between the effect of stretching exercises and aerobic exercises on preeclampsia.
Detailed description
Preeclampsia increases maternal morbidity and mortality since the 1980s, Studies from the World Health Organization also showed an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke with history of hypertension in pregnancy. In addition to this increased risk of thrombosis, there is also increased morbidity and mortality associated specifically with stroke in these women. PE lead to preterm delivery and increase neonatal morbidity such as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Risk of Fet al Demise/Stillbirth, and infants have a nine times greater incidence of respiratory distress syndrome than full-term neonate.
Medical treatments of preeclampsia . have a lot of side effects on mother and fetus. So, we are going to study more effective noninvasive therapy methods to prevent and decrease the risk of PE. In this randomized controlled study (RCT).
Several studies have explored the impact of exercise on the management and prevention of preeclampsia:
The Effect of Maternal Exercise Program on Fet al Growth in Pre-Eclampsia: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial investigated the impact of a structured maternal exercise program on fet al growth in women diagnosed with preeclampsia. The findings suggested that regular, supervised exercise could positively influence fet al growth parameters in this cases. Impact of Exercise Training on Preeclampsia: Potential Preventive Mechanisms This review examined the potential mechanisms through which exercise training might reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. The authors discussed how regular physical activity could improve endothelial function, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate immune responses, thereby potentially lowering preeclampsia risk. Aerobic Exercise Training in Formerly Preeclamptic Women: Effects on Venous Reserve In this study, they examined the effects of aerobic exercise training on venous reserves in 24 normotensive formerly preeclamptic women and 20 controls. Before and after 12-week aerobic exercise training, they demonstrate that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training effectively improves venous reserve capacity in postpartum women. An umbrella review by Martínez highlighted that prenatal exercise can lead to systolic blood pressure (SBP) reductions of about 9.6 mmHg, alongside significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) - with substantial evidence quality. In 2023 a meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (2010-2023) confirmed that prenatal physical activity reduces the risk of gestational hypertensive disorders by 56% and lowers SBP by 2.64 mmHg and DBP by 1.99 mmHg. More specifically, a meta-analysis focusing on aerobic and resistance training showed that while exercise didn't significantly change BP in low-risk pregnancies, in at-risk women it reduced SBP by 3.91 mmHg and DBP by 2.9 mmHg.
Another meta-analysis of 18 RCTs reported overall mean reductions of SBP by 3.19 mmHg and DBP by 2.14 mmHg in exercising pregnant women compared to controls.
Comparing studies like study done by Awad 2019 to find Effect of stretching exercises versus autogenic training on preeclampsia research published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology \& Research compared the effects of stretching exercises and autogenic training on preeclamptic women. The study found that both interventions led to significant reductions in blood pressure and proteinuria levels, with stretching exercises showing a slightly more pronounced effect. This indicates that stretching can be an effective non-pharmacological approach to managing preeclampsia symptoms, another comparison of walking versus stretching exercises to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia: a randomized clinical trial a study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that pregnant women with a history of preeclampsia who engaged in regular stretching exercises experienced a lower incidence of the condition compared to those who participated in walking programs. Specifically, 5% of women in the stretching group developed preeclampsia, versus 14% in the walking group. The researchers hypothesized that stretching might increase levels of transferrin, a protein that combats oxidative stress, thereby offering protective benefits.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Stretching exercises program + Antihypertensive drugs | Experimental | Other: Stretching exercises program, Drug: Antihypertensive drugsIt will consist of 30 women with mild preeclampsia. They will be treated with a stretching exercise program, conducted three times per week for six weeks, alongside antihypertensive drugs. |
| Aerobic exercises program + Antihypertensive drugs | Experimental | Other: Aerobic exercises program, Drug: Antihypertensive drugsIt will consist of 30 women with mild preeclampsia. They will be treated with an aerobic exercise program, conducted three times per week for six weeks, alongside antihypertensive drugs. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 30 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Their ages ranged from 20-30 years old.
- Their body mass index (BMI) didn't exceed 35 Kg\m2.
- All women primigravida.
- All women are complaining of mild preeclampsia.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Chronic disease (diabetes mellitus, thyroid, hypertension, nephrotic).
- Vaginal bleeding.
- Placenta previa.
- Physical and psychological disorders.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Stretching exercises programEach woman in the first experimental group will follow a supervised stretching exercise program three times per week for six weeks. Sessions will begin with deep breathing warm-up, followed by stretching each target muscle for 10 seconds with 10 seconds relaxation for the first two weeks, 15 seconds stretching and relaxation in weeks three and four, and 20 seconds in weeks five and six. Each stretch will be repeated 10 times per session. After six weeks, women will be instructed to continue these exercises until delivery. | Other | Stretching exercises program + Antihypertensive drugs |
| Aerobic exercises programThe second experimental group will follow a supervised aerobic exercise program of mild to moderate intensity (40%-60% HRmax, calculated as 220 minus age). Heart rate will be monitored before and during exercise. The program, conducted three times per week for six weeks, will start with a 5-minute low-speed walking warm-up. In the first two weeks, this will be followed by 10 minutes on a treadmill (King Fitness Model 8000AC), 5 minutes relaxation, 10 minutes on a stationary bike (GRASP93026), and 5 minutes relaxation. In weeks three and four, treadmill and bike sessions will increase to 15 minutes each, with 10 minutes relaxation between. In weeks five and six, treadmill and bike time will increase to 20 minutes, with 15 minutes relaxation between. After six weeks, women will continue these exercises until delivery. | Other | Aerobic exercises program + Antihypertensive drugs |
| Antihypertensive drugsAlso: labipressAll women in both groups will be treated by antihypertensive drugs (labipress) for 6 weeks. | Drug | Aerobic exercises program + Antihypertensive drugs, Stretching exercises program + Antihypertensive drugs |
Primary outcome
Measurement of arterial blood pressure
Time frame: 6 weeks
Arterial blood pressure will be measured from the right arm while the woman is in a half-lying position. The measurement will be the mean of three trials. Each woman in both groups will be assessed before and after the six-week treatment period.
Measurement of proteinuria
Time frame: 6 weeks
Each woman in both groups will be asked to collect a 24-hour urine sample in sterilized glass bottles for measurement of protein levels. This collection will take place before and after the six-week treatment period.
1 secondary outcome
Body mass index (BMI) measurement
Time frame: 6 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 1 Dec 2025.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Mai Mohamed Ali, PhD contact
Mohamed Ahmad Mohamed Awad, PhD study chair
Professor, Cairo university
Mai Mohamed Ali, PhD study director
Assistant Professor, Cairo University
Amir Araby Gabre, PhD study director
Professor, Cairo university
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Stretching exercises program, Aerobic exercises program and Antihypertensive drugs in people with Preeclampsia, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Mai Khaled Abdrabo Naeem, B.Sc (+20 102 176 6648, maikhaled2594@yahoo.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Measurement of arterial blood pressure (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 1 Dec 2025.