Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity Engagement to Inform a Precision Prescription Approach during Pregnancy.

Am J Lifestyle Med

Reproductive Endocrinology and Women's Health Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.

Published: July 2022

AI Article Synopsis

  • Physical activity is crucial for pregnant individuals, yet many receive inadequate guidance on how to safely exercise during pregnancy.
  • A study surveyed 431 women, primarily White/Caucasian and married, revealing that while most engage in cardio exercises, common barriers to achieving activity recommendations include fatigue, discomfort, and childcare responsibilities.
  • To facilitate physical activity, women expressed the need for personalized exercise plans, flexible scheduling, and access to home workout options, highlighting a gap in individualized physical activity support in prenatal care.

Article Abstract

Physical activity during pregnancy is an important health behavior. However, many pregnant individuals are provided with little-to-no guidance to adequately engage in physical activity. The purpose of this quantitative and quasi-qualitative study of currently or previously pregnant women was to examine physical activity behaviors in pregnancy and understand barriers and facilitators to achieving physical activity recommendations. Overall, 431 women (18+ years), White/Caucasian (84.5%), married (84.9%), and currently pregnant (66.6%), completed an online survey study. Most women (69.4%) reported engaging in cardio-based physical activity and willing to engage in physical activity to meet guidelines between 2 and 5 days per week (77.4 -88.8%). The most frequently reported barriers were feeling too tired (72.8%) or uncomfortable (71.8%) and childcare needs (57.8%). Being able to choose time of day (96.0%), accessing home workouts (92.9%), and having a personalized prescription (95.6%) were the most reported facilitators. Open comment feedback resulted in additional barriers, such as ensuring proper energy intake, while motivation and support from other pregnant individuals were fundamental facilitators. Individualized physical activity prescription is lacking in routine prenatal care. To support pregnant individuals to achieve physical activity recommendations, developing a prescription with suitable modalities, at-home options, and consideration for physical activity timing are required.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9830245PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15598276221108669DOI Listing

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