Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences ETDs
Publication Date
Fall 12-17-2022
Abstract
The effectiveness of perinatal exercise (i.e., exercise by mothers immediately prior to, throughout, and after pregnancy) to attenuate high-altitude pulmonary hypertension and associated health consequences in the offspring exposed to chronic hypoxia in early life was investigated. Four groups were used to compare the effects of perinatal exercise to offspring exposed to low altitude (i.e., normoxic) conditions or simulated 4500 meters of high altitude (i.e., hypoxic) as well as their respective, sedentary controls. Offspring in the hypoxic groups had lower body weights and tail lengths as well as higher hematocrits, right ventricular systolic pressures, and right heart weights. The hypoxic group whose mothers were physically active also had greater small pulmonary artery wall thickness, lower exercise capacity, and meaningfully, but not statistically, lower right ventricular systolic pressure compared to their sedentary counterpart. In conclusion, perinatal exercise produces small yet meaningful benefits in the offspring to combat high-altitude pulmonary hypertension development.
Keywords
high-altitude, right ventricular systolic pressure, Rotarod, inflammation, voluntary wheel running
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Degree Name
Physical Education, Sports and Exercise Science
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences
First Committee Member (Chair)
Michael R. Deyhle
Second Committee Member
Ann L. Gibson
Third Committee Member
Laura V. Gonzalez Bosc
Fourth Committee Member
Christine Mermier
Fifth Committee Member
Sean M. Wilson
Recommended Citation
Leslie, Eric. "Perinatal Exercise Effectiveness to Prevent Offspring High-Altitude Pulmonary Hypertension." (2022). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/educ_hess_etds/153
