Effects of Circuit Exercise Program on Cognitive Function, Functional Exercise Capacity, Mobility, Depression, and Quality of Life in Women with Gestational Diabetes

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of circuit exercise programs applied in addition to diet therapy on cognitive function, functional exercise capacity, mobility, depression, and QoL in women with GD. Materials and Methods: 43 women with GDM aged 18-35 years old were included and 43 were analyzed. A parallel, single-blind trial with participants allocated (1:1) to one of two groups the Exercise Group and the Diet Group. Personalized diet programs were received by all participants. In the Diet Group, only a diet program was performed. In the Exercise Group, a circuit exercise program was applied to 40-minute sessions, 3 days a week over 6 weeks in addition to the diet program. Participants were assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks for general cognitive function, attention, selective attention, functional exercise capacity, mobility, depression, and quality of life. Results: Significant differences were found in terms of MoCA, Stroop ve SF-36 Physical Functioning in both groups (p<0.05). In Time*Group evaluations, there was a significant difference in the WMS Backward Digit Span in favor of the Diet Group, and in TUG in favor of the Exercise Group (p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, personalized diet programs may enhance cognitive functions, and circuit exercise programs in addition to the personalized diet program may enhance mobility and cognitive functions in women with GD.