The current study is a single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving 108 participants with diabetes during pregnancy. The trial will compare leg ergometer with arm ergometer. Interventions will be delivered three times per week for eight weeks. The primary outcomes are glucose, exercise tolerance, weight, and psychological stress. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after eight weeks. The trial will be carried out at Jinnah hospital, Services hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. The hypothesis is that the leg ergometer including aerobic exercise will result in greater reduction in glucose and exercise tolerance, weight and stress management than arm ergometer.
Female participants aged 18-35 years.
Gestational age 14-28 weeks (second trimester).
Singleton pregnancy (confirmed by obstetric record) only to avoid complications of multiple gestation.
Include both primigravida and multigravida (i.e., first or subsequent pregnancy).
Previous Cesarean section or medically indicated bed rest.
Known pre-existing diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or Type 2 prior to pregnancy).
Known major obstetric complications (e.g., placenta previa, severe pre- eclampsia).
Patients having multiple/twin/triplet pregnancies.