Reading Week 9 Flashcards
Symons, D - give an overview of the study
A retrospective study of 74 postpartum women conducted to examine women’s behavioural, normative and control beliefs about exercising during pregnancy and postpartum and to determine their most salient beliefs. (100% response rate)
Symons, D - summarise the methods
Leisure time exercise questionnaire assess the frequency of strenuous, moderate and mild leisure time exercise done for at least 15 minutes during a typical week.
Participants reported exercise beliefs during pregnancy/postpartum by using open ended statements in an exercise beliefs questionnaire.
Symons, D - summarise the results
Most common beliefs during pregnancy - exercise improves mood, energy, stamina but is obstructed by physical limitations e.g. nausea.
Most common beliefs postpartum - exercise controls weight gain but is obstructed by lack of time and fatigue.
Women’s husband/partner and family members most strongly influenced their exercise behaviours.
Women exercised more before pregnancy than during.
Symons, D - summarise the practical implications
During pregnancy, health practitioners should focus on methods to elevate mood e.g. muscle relaxation / imagery
Postpartum, HP should focus on techniques that assist women in controlling weight e.g. proper dieting and calorie expending activities
HP may look to include women’s partner in exercise interventions
During pregnancy, women visit health care professional regularly so have opportunity to provide exercise counselling.
HP should try to decrease barriers, e.g. Home exercise programmes, enhance time management skills etc.
Symons, D - what were the limitations to the study
Majority of participants middle-upper class white - limited generalisability
Participants not asked to report how many children they had
Most between 3-4 months postpartum, future research should examine various stages of postpartum
