Long-term effects of participation in a prenatal exercise intervention on body weight, body mass index, and physical activity level: a 6-year follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial

A Qualitative Exploration of Exercise During Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To explore the experience of women engaging in physical activity during pregnancy.

DESIGN

This was the qualitative arm of the Starting Pregnancy With Robustness for Optimal Upward Trajectories (SPROUT) pilot project. Thematic analysis was used to realize patterns of meaning and significance from data on participants' experiences in engaging in physical activity during pregnancy.

SETTING

One-on-one structured interviews via video conferencing.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighteen women in the first trimester of their pregnancy were recruited from local obstetric practices and randomized into one of three exercise groups. All three groups of women were followed for their entire pregnancy and for 6 months postpartum.

METHODS

Interviews were recorded and analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Six major themes important for clinical practice resulted from the analysis: Physical Activity During Pregnancy Is Desirous for Health Benefits, Activity Monitors Provide Motivation, Human Connection HelpsSupportPhysical Activity, More Guidance Is Needed on How to Be Physically Active During Pregnancy, A Supervised Physical Activity Program Is Preferred if Available and Flexible, and Participants Would Choose to Be Physically Active in Subsequent Pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

Human interaction, education on physical activity guidelines, and exercise advice increased motivation, accountability, and confidence in the women. Using a tracking device such as an activity watch provided real-world feedback in addition to fostering motivation.

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. This cross-sectional survey used an electronic questionnaire to assess physical activity level, weight gain and women's satisfaction with body weight and size. In total, 150 pregnant women answered the questionnaire. Related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square tests were used to answer our research questions. The proportion of women who were dissatisfied with their body weight and shape increased from pre-pregnancy to late gestation (body weight p = 0.030 and body shape p = 0.040). Body dissatisfaction before and during pregnancy was linked to weight gain above recommendations. Characterising oneself as physically active prior to pregnancy was associated with satisfaction with body shape pre-pregnancy. Given that mothers strongly influence how a child will judge their body later in life, the results of this study underline the importance of addressing these issues during pregnancy.

State of Knowledge on Molecular Adaptations to Exercise in Humans: Historical Perspectives and Future Directions

For centuries, regular exercise has been acknowledged as a potent stimulus to promote, maintain, and restore healthy functioning of nearly every physiological system of the human body. With advancing understanding of the complexity of human physiology, continually evolving methodological possibilities, and an increasingly dire public health situation, the study of exercise as a preventative or therapeutic treatment has never been more interdisciplinary, or more impactful. During the early stages of the NIH Common Fund Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) Initiative, the field is well-positioned to build substantially upon the existing understanding of the mechanisms underlying benefits associated with exercise. Thus, we present a comprehensive body of the knowledge detailing the current literature basis surrounding the molecular adaptations to exercise in humans to provide a view of the state of the field at this critical juncture, as well as a resource for scientists bringing external expertise to the field of exercise physiology. In reviewing current literature related to molecular and cellular processes underlying exercise-induced benefits and adaptations, we also draw attention to existing knowledge gaps warranting continued research effort. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3193-3279, 2022.