Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the predictive utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in explaining pregnant women’s physical activity (PA) intentions and behaviour and to scrutinise the role of past behaviour within this context. Pregnant women (n = 89) completed the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ) and newly developed TPB questionnaire on two separate occasions during their pregnancy. Analyses were carried out in relation to three scenarios. Firstly, when considering the original TPB, intention emerged as the strongest determinant of pregnant women’s PA behaviour. Secondly, controlling for past behaviour attenuated the influence of intention and perceived behavioural control on behaviour, with neither of the original variables providing a unique influence. Finally, the addition of past behaviour added significantly to the prediction of intention with the model as a whole, explaining 85% of the variance in pregnant women’s PA intention, and with past behaviour uniquely contributing 44.8% of the variance. Pregnancy physical activity profiling based on intention and behaviour status is subsequently introduced as a novel and practical framework. This provides healthcare professionals with the opportunity and structure to provide tailored advice and guidance to pregnant women, thereby facilitating engagement with PA throughout motherhood.
Highlights
Pregnancy physical activity profiling based on intention and behaviour status is subsequently introduced as a novel and practical framework
The results showed that intention explained 56.1% of the variance in pregnant women’s physical activity (PA) behaviour: F (1, 76) = 96.98, p < 0.001
Whilst McEachan et al [37] suggest that past behaviour tendencies are not as changed as these motivational factors and that such findings are of concern when devising behavioural interventions, the outcome of this current study presents healthcare professionals and researchers with an opportunity to introduce tailored advice and interventions based on the profiling of pregnant women
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Whilst pregnancy is consistently associated with a decline in physical activity (PA). Regular PA during pregnancy contributes to a reduction in hypertensive disorders, improved cardiorespiratory fitness, lower gestational weight gain and a reduction in risk of gestational diabetes [4]. In acknowledgement of the mounting evidence supporting these benefits and the accompanying responsibility to encourage regular PA in the female population, it is necessary to draw on relevant theories of behaviour and/or behaviour change to fully understand the nature of the modifiable factors involved, develop appropriate behaviour change interventions, and improve professional practice [5,6,7]
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