Postpartum ExerciseNCT07921173
Exercise to Improve Heart and Metabolic Health After Childbirth in Women at High Risk for Preeclampsia
A study testing Postpartum Exercise Program in people with Postpartum Exercise and Cardiometabolic Health, run by Chinese University of Hong Kong at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
Women who develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Whether exercise during the postpartum period improves cardiometabolic health in this population remains unclear. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Postpartum Exercise, Cardiometabolic Health, High Risk for Preeclampsia
- What is being tested?
- Postpartum Exercise Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 3 Sep 2026to 31 Dec 2027
- 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 18 to 45 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18 to 45 years.
- Identified as being at high risk for preeclampsia during the most recent pregnancy and developed a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP).
- Had a singleton pregnancy.
- 6 to 8 weeks postpartum at enrollment.
- Physically able to participate in the exercise training program.
- Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Had a multiple pregnancy.
- Severe medical complications after delivery or other health conditions that contraindicate physical exercise (e.g., severe cardiovascular disease or musculoskeletal disorders).
- Chronic hypertension or diabetes before pregnancy.
- Current use of medication that could potentially affect cardiac function (e.g., medication for heart failure).
- Received antibiotic treatment within the past month.
- Severe mental health disorders that affect the ability to exercise.
- Unable or unwilling to adhere to and attend the 12-week exercise program.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Hong Kong1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Yao Wang, PhD, +85235051289, yaowang1@cuhk.edu.hk
About this study
Official title: Enhancing Cardiometabolic Health in Postnatal Women at High-Risk for Preeclampsia Through Exercise Intervention
Women who develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Whether exercise during the postpartum period improves cardiometabolic health in this population remains unclear.
This pilot randomized controlled trial will recruit 40 women who were identified as being at high risk for preeclampsia during pregnancy and subsequently developed a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Participants will be enrolled 6 to 8 weeks after delivery and randomly assigned to a 12-week exercise program or standard postnatal care. The exercise program will consist of three sessions per week combining moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, resistance training, and pelvic floor exercises.
Cardiovascular function, blood pressure, blood markers of cardiometabolic health, physical fitness, and body composition will be assessed before and after the 12-week period. Changes in mood, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life will also be evaluated. The study will provide preliminary evidence on the effects of postpartum exercise in this population and inform the design of a larger trial.
- Conditions
- Postpartum Exercise, Cardiometabolic Health, High Risk for Preeclampsia, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Being tested
- Postpartum Exercise Program
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Postpartum Exercise ProgramBehavioural
Participants assigned to the exercise group will undertake a 12-week program comprising three supervised 60-minute sessions per week. Each session includes a 5-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle, 20 minutes of resistance training, 10 minutes of pelvic floor exercises, and a 5-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity will be individualized and progressively adjusted according to heart rate and rating of perceived exertion.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Postpartum Exercise Program | Experimental | Participants will complete a 12-week exercise program consisting of three supervised sessions per week. Each session will combine moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, resistance training, and pelvic floor exercises. Exercise intensity will be adjusted to individual fitness levels and monitored using heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion. Receives: Behavioral: Postpartum Exercise Program |
| Standard Postnatal Care | No intervention | Participants will receive standard postnatal care, including routine health check-ups and general advice on postnatal health. They will not receive a structured exercise program as part of the study. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Systolic Blood Pressure
Systolic blood pressure will be measured in mmHg. Change from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention will be assessed.
Measured: Before and after the 12-week exercise intervention
Change in Diastolic Blood Pressure
Diastolic blood pressure will be measured in mmHg using a validated automated device. Change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (30)
Change in Triglyceride Levels
Serum triglyceride levels will be determined using standard laboratory techniques. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Total Cholesterol Levels
Serum total cholesterol levels will be determined using standard laboratory techniques. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels
Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels will be determined using standard laboratory techniques. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels
Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels will be determined using standard laboratory techniques. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Apolipoprotein A-I Levels
Apolipoprotein A-I levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Apolipoprotein A-II Levels
Apolipoprotein A-II levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Apolipoprotein B Levels
Apolipoprotein B levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Fasting Glucose Levels
Fasting glucose levels will be determined using standard laboratory tests. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
HbA1c will be determined using standard laboratory tests. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Fasting Insulin Levels
Fasting insulin levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in C-Peptide Levels
C-peptide levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Adiponectin Levels
Adiponectin levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Leptin Levels
Leptin levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Levels
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Interleukin-6 Levels
Interleukin-6 Levels Interleukin-6 levels will be measured using ELISA. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Fibrinogen Levels
Blood fibrinogen levels will be measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Endothelin-1 Levels
Endothelin-1 Levels Endothelin-1 levels will be measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Angiotensin II Levels
Angiotensin II levels will be measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Changes in levels will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Score
Postpartum depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Change in score from before to after the 12-week intervention will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Scores
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Changes in questionnaire scores from before to after the 12-week intervention will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Score
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Score Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Change in score from before to after the 12-week intervention will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form Score
Breastfeeding self-efficacy will be assessed using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF). Change in score from before to after the 12-week intervention will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Six-Minute Walk Test Performance
Physical performance will be assessed using the Six-Minute Walk Test. Change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Chair Stand Test Performance
Lower-body physical performance will be assessed using a Chair Stand test. Change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Body Mass Index
Body mass index (BMI) will be measured. Change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Fat Mass Percentage
Body fat percentage will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Changes from baseline to the post-intervention assessment will be evaluated.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Lean Mass Percentage
Lean mass percentage will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention. The change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment will be evaluated.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Vital Capacity
Change in vital capacity from baseline to the post-intervention assessment will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Plank Test Performance
Change in plank test performance from baseline to the post-intervention assessment will be assessed.
Measured: Baseline and 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Nov 2026
- Study start3 Sep 2026
- Primary completion30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Postpartum ExerciseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Chinese University of Hong KongThe 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
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, LAI KWAN LAM, Chinese University of Hong Kong
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07921173
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CREC Ref. No.: 2024.459
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Nov 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Enhancing Cardiometabolic Health in Postnatal Women at High-Risk for Preeclampsia Through Exercise Intervention
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07921173
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CREC Ref. No.: 2024.459
- Conditions
- Postpartum Exercise, Cardiometabolic Health, High Risk for Preeclampsia, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Chinese University of Hong KongUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 3 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Nov 2026 (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.
Women who develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Whether exercise during the postpartum period improves cardiometabolic health in this population remains unclear.
This pilot randomized controlled trial will recruit 40 women who were identified as being at high risk for preeclampsia during pregnancy and subsequently developed a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Participants will be enrolled 6 to 8 weeks after delivery and randomly assigned to a 12-week exercise program or standard postnatal care. The exercise program will consist of three sessions per week combining moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, resistance training, and pelvic floor exercises.
Cardiovascular function, blood pressure, blood markers of cardiometabolic health, physical fitness, and body composition will be assessed before and after the 12-week period. Changes in mood, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life will also be evaluated. The study will provide preliminary evidence on the effects of postpartum exercise in this population and inform the design of a larger trial.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Postpartum Exercise Program | Experimental | Behavioral: Postpartum Exercise ProgramParticipants will complete a 12-week exercise program consisting of three supervised sessions per week. Each session will combine moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, resistance training, and pelvic floor exercises. Exercise intensity will be adjusted to individual fitness levels and monitored using heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion. |
| Standard Postnatal Care | No intervention | –Participants will receive standard postnatal care, including routine health check-ups and general advice on postnatal health. They will not receive a structured exercise program as part of the study. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Aged 18 to 45 years.
- Identified as being at high risk for preeclampsia during the most recent pregnancy and developed a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP).
- Had a singleton pregnancy.
- 6 to 8 weeks postpartum at enrollment.
- Physically able to participate in the exercise training program.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Had a multiple pregnancy.
- Severe medical complications after delivery or other health conditions that contraindicate physical exercise (e.g., severe cardiovascular disease or musculoskeletal disorders).
- Chronic hypertension or diabetes before pregnancy.
- Current use of medication that could potentially affect cardiac function (e.g., medication for heart failure).
- Received antibiotic treatment within the past month.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Postpartum Exercise ProgramParticipants assigned to the exercise group will undertake a 12-week program comprising three supervised 60-minute sessions per week. Each session includes a 5-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle, 20 minutes of resistance training, 10 minutes of pelvic floor exercises, and a 5-minute cool-down. Exercise intensity will be individualized and progressively adjusted according to heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. | Behavioural | Postpartum Exercise Program |
Primary outcome
Change in Systolic Blood Pressure
Time frame: Before and after the 12-week exercise intervention
Systolic blood pressure will be measured in mmHg. Change from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention will be assessed.
Change in Diastolic Blood Pressure
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Diastolic blood pressure will be measured in mmHg using a validated automated device. Change from baseline to the post-intervention assessment will be assessed.
30 secondary outcomes
Change in Triglyceride Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Total Cholesterol Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Apolipoprotein A-I Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Apolipoprotein A-II Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Apolipoprotein B Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Fasting Glucose Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Fasting Insulin Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in C-Peptide Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Adiponectin Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Leptin Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Interleukin-6 Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Fibrinogen Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Endothelin-1 Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Angiotensin II Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Score
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Scores
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Score
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form Score
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Six-Minute Walk Test Performance
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Chair Stand Test Performance
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Body Mass Index
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Fat Mass Percentage
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Lean Mass Percentage
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Vital Capacity
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Plank Test Performance
Time frame: Baseline and 12 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 6 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Postpartum Exercise Program in people with Postpartum Exercise and Cardiometabolic Health, run by Chinese University of Hong Kong at 1 site in Hong Kong.
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 6 inclusion and 7 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Nov 2026. 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 Hong Kong. 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 Yao Wang, PhD (+85235051289, yaowang1@cuhk.edu.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Systolic Blood Pressure (time frame: Before and after the 12-week exercise intervention). 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 6 Nov 2026.