Thesis Abstract

Lipids and lipoproteins are essential constituents of the body and their activities assist in maintenance of the body homeostasis. Sedentary lifestyle, as predisposed by sedentary work has been shown to lead to inactivity which could lead to lipid disorders during pregnancy. Physical activity during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension and preeclampsia. The present study was designed to ascertain the difference in lipid profile and some biochemical indices in physically active and sedentary pregnant and non-pregnant women residing in Giwa Local Government Area Kaduna State, Nigeria.A total of 50 subjects between the ages of 16 to 45 years formed the study population, which were grouped into four; Group 1 (physically active non-pregnant women), Group 2 (Sedentary non-pregnant women), Group 3 (physically active pregnant women) Group 4 (sedentary pregnant women). The test subjects were selected among those attending ante natal clinic at the General Hospital in GiwaLocal Government area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in compliance with the Declaration on the right of the Patient after approval by the Ethical Committee of the Health centers. Also, an informed consent and questionnaire was obtained from all subjects enrolled for the study.The fasting serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, High density lipoprotein, Low density lipoprotein, Very low density lipoprotein, serum urea and creatinine, serum electrolytes levels were analyzed using biochemical laboratory kits and readings were taking using EMP168 biochemical analyzer.The mean ± SD for all the groups showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in TC, TG, LDL-C and VLDL rwhen compared with to control subjects (group 1), while the HDL showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in group 4 when compared with the control (group 1). Electrolyte (Na+, Cl-, and K+) showed no significant difference (p<0.05) in all the groups. However, Ca+concentration was observed to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in groups 4 and 2 as compared to groups 1 and 3.HCO-3 concentration showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in groups 4, 2 and 3 as compared to group 1. A significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in serum urea from groups 3and4 while group 2 had no significant difference as compared to group Serum creatinine showed a significant (p <0.05) increase in group 3and4 while group 2 showed no significant difference. The body mass index (BMI) showed a significant(p <0.05) increase in all the groups but higher in group 4 when compared to group 1. This study showed the effects of sedentary life style and the importance of physical activities during pregnancy. At least 30minute exercise is recommended in order to reduce complications associated with pregnancy.

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