Developing Web Enabled Physical Activity Programs For New Mothers And Their Babies: Mommies Move Program

Abstract

After having a baby a woman is less likely to do regular, moderate physical activity (PA) compared to women without children. New mothers are at risk for future weight gain and chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. PURPOSE: To determine women's interest in using a web enabled physical activity program for news mothers and their babies, designed to be viewed on television. METHODS: We used qualitative methods to develop and pilot test a prototype of an interactive web-enabled multimedia program: "Mommies Move." The sample's (n =106) mean age was 30.1 (SD= 5.7) their babies were 9.2 months (SD = 4.1) old, average number children = 1.8 (SD = 1.1), with half (50%) having just one child. Mean BMI = 25.2 (SD= 6.4) and baby's weight was 19.7 lbs (SD = 4.9). 60% of women were ethnic minorities: 21% Hispanic, 22% African-American, and 17% were Asian/Pacific Islanders. Many (43%) were not working and 44% were high school graduates or had some college. RESULTS: Women walked 138 min/wk with a mean 81 min/wk of vigorous activity. Almost all wanted to use the baby as weight resistance (76%) or hold their baby in their arms or in an infant carrier while exercising (83%), and 83% wanted to interact with their toddler while following an exercise video. Using this focus group data we designed a prototype that allows Mothers to select and combine up to three 10-minute videos of yoga, aerobics, Pilates, and strengthening exercises. Women can sequence together 10-30 minutes of videos personalized to their fitness level, exercise type, choice to actively exercise with their baby or alone, and selection of on-screen activities for toddlers. Exercises with baby are tailored to the infant's weight and include activities that promote cognitive development and mother-child bonding. The Mommies Move prototype is viewed on a television similar to technologies that viewers use to watch streaming videos or movies on a TV connected to the internet. Almost all (90%) women who reviewed the prototype reported they would use it and that it would help add variety to their workouts. CONCLUSION: Mommies Move web program will allow a mom to tailor an exercise plan to meet her and her baby's in-home needs. As a mom becomes fit and her infant grows and progresses through developmental stages, she can change her preferences unlike standard "mommy and me" type exercise DVDs.