Table 5 An in-merge of evidence-based exercise interventions by the exercise modality

Strengthening

Low-to-moderate intensity resistance exercise twice per week for 12 weeks and, depending on availability (dual leg extension, dual leg press, dual arm lat pull, dual leg curl, lumbar extensions and a standing abdominal exercise) [42]

Dumbbells, machines, or elastic bands [47]

Adverse changes in symptoms of energy and fatigue

Balance

Two static upright balance postural tasks: two-legged stance either with eyes open and with eyes closed

Three balance sitting tasks on a Swiss ball: to remain seated on the ball in a static position, with both feet resting on the floor and hands resting on the sternum; sitting on the ball, raise the lower right leg off the floor and hold the lift for 10 s, with hands resting on the thighs; sitting on the ball, raise the lower left leg off the floor and hold the lift for 10 s, with hands resting on the [36]

Pain reduction; improved balance performance

Stretching

The tendon slip exercises (flexion, flat, hook, punch, table-top and flat-punch) [41]

Nerve-gliding exercises (moving the fingers and wrists in six different positions, focussing on the median nerve consisting of the disease grip, finger lengthening, wrist extension, thumb extension, forearm supination and gentle gait) [41]

Decrease in carpal tunnel syndrome severity and functional capacity

Aerobic exercise

General aerobic and resistance training [3, 47]

Lower gestational weight gain and sedentary behaviour; greater moderate-to-vigorous PA

Gradual warm-up; aerobic exercises; light muscle strengthening; coordination and balance exercises; stretching exercises; pelvic floor strengthening; relaxation and final talk [35]

Lower maternal weight gain; better OGTT results; lower chance to get GDM; lower ratio of macrosomia of neonate

Exercise modalities combined

Moderate PA in water [51]: warm-up, main phase (with an aerobic element, followed by strength and endurance exercises) and final stretching and relaxation [38]

Effective in reducing musculoskeletal complications

Better perineum status and physical functioning; lower pain; better general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional and physical

Physical conditioning program:10 min of warming up, 25 min of cardiovascular exercise, 10 min of strengthening exercises, 5 min of coordination and balance exercises, 5 min of pelvic floor exercises and 5 min of stretching and relaxation [40]

Faster postpartum weight loss; higher ductus arteriosus pulsatility index and the ejection fraction

Water exercise: four swimming laps (100 m in total), six AquaMama exercises and four laps [44]

Lower back pain intensity

Moderate PA, reducing sedentary time, upper and lower limb resistance exercise, increasing number of steps per day, increasing activity during weekends [4]

Lower gestational weight gain; more costly and effective intervention