Lumbopelvic pain and sick leave during pregnancy: A comparison of Italy and Norway.

Background: Pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain is a frequently reported musculoskeletal disorder, but few studies have compared data between countries.

Objectives: Examine prevalence, severity, and sick leave and explore potential risk factors associated with pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain in Italian women and compare the results to a similar study in Norway, utilizing the same questionnaire.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Does Appearance Matter during Pregnancy? A Cross-Sectional Study of Body Satisfaction from Pre-Pregnancy to Late Gestation.

Few studies have explored the associations between body satisfaction and physical activity and weight gain during pregnancy, and none have been conducted in Scandinavia. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in body satisfaction from pre-pregnancy to late pregnancy and investigate whether this differed according to parity. We also wanted to explore the association between body satisfaction and physical activity and weight gain among pregnant women in Norway.

Similar Energy Expenditure During BodyPump and Heavy Load Resistance Exercise in Overweight Women.

Purpose: High-repetition, low-load resistance exercise in group class settings has gained popularity in recent years, with BodyPump as a prime example. For individuals using exercise for body-weight management, the energy expenditure during exercise is of interest. Therefore, we herein aimed to estimate the energy expenditure during a session of BodyPump and a time-matched session of heavy load resistance training in overweight women (BMI ≥ 25.

What the Health? Information Sources and Maternal Lifestyle Behaviors.

Background: Regular physical activity (PA), adequate gestational weight gain (GWG), and healthy eating are important for the long-term health of both mother and baby. Hence, it is important that women receive current and updated advice on these topics and are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the main information sources among pregnant women regarding PA, GWG, and nutrition as well as to evaluate how these information sources may affect their health behaviors.

Does low and heavy load resistance training affect musculoskeletal pain in overweight and obese women? Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Overweight and obesity are associated with musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the female population. However, regular resistance training may positively affect these complaints.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate between group differences in musculoskeletal pain in previously inactive women, allocated to three different resistance-training modalities available in health- and fitness clubs.

Effect of a prenatal lifestyle intervention on physical activity level in late pregnancy and the first year postpartum.

Background: Despite documented health benefits for mother and baby, physical activity (PA)-level tends to decline in pregnancy. Overweight/obese and physically inactive women are two selected groups at increased risk of pregnancy complications. Thus, efficient strategies to maintain or increase PA-level in pregnancy and the postpartum period, especially among these women, are warranted.

Reliability and concurrent validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form among pregnant women.

Abstract: Sanda B, Vistad I, Haakstad LAH, Berntsen S, Sagedal LR, Lohne-Seiler H, Torstveit MK. Reliability and concurrent validity of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form among pregnant women.

Background: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ-SF) is frequently used to assess physical activity (PA) level in the general adult population including pregnant women.

Attitudes and awareness towards weight gain among normal weight and overweight pregnant women.

Objectives: (1) To evaluate the proportion who correctly classify- or misclassify maternal weight gain; (2) to investigate weight gain attitudes, and (3) to compare weight gain attitudes with weight gain recommendations by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), as well as background and lifestyle factors.

Methods: This is secondary analysis of cohort data collected as part of a prospective study of determinants of macrosomic infants in Norway (the STORK project). The participants (n = 467) answered a self-administered questionnaire, including report on maternal weight gain and attitudes towards weight gain, in mean gestation week 36.

Stages of change model for participation in physical activity during pregnancy.

Background: The transtheoretical model (TTM) has been successful in promoting health behavioral change in the general population. However, there is a scant knowledge about physical activity in relation to the TTM during pregnancy. Hence, the aims of the present study were (1) to assess readiness to become or stay physically active according to the TTM and (2) to compare background and health variables across the TTM.