Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire Research Articles

Physical activity levels of pregnant women at the time of diagnosis with gestational diabetes attending a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow City, Uttar Pradesh

: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is one of the pregnancy complications characterized by carbohydrate intolerance that develops or is discovered during pregnancy. Physical inactivity and excessive gestational weight gain have been identified as independent risk factors for maternal obesity and pregnancy-related disorders, such as gestational diabetes. Awareness of the significance of physical activity for bodily and psychological health is vitally essential. The woman and her family members need to be swayed to change with time and let go of their myths and false cultural perceptions that exercise can harm the baby. : To determine the physical activity pattern of pregnant women at the time of diagnosis with GDM. : 188 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus was selected for the study. Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to calculate the duration; frequency, intensity, and type of physical activity during current gestational period. An average weekly energy expenditure in Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET-h-week) was calculated. Demographic data including age, socioeconomic status, parity, literacy and working status were collected. Data was analysed on 188 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM. The physical activity of moderate intensity was less performed by the pregnant women. None of the pregnant women were involved in vigorous type of physical activity. Only light intensity activities were performed by the study participants. The study concluded light intensity activity was commonly carried by pregnant women thus a low level of physical activity was observed during the pregnancy.

Urinary Incontinence in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy of Type 1 Diabetic Women.

Type 1 diabetes increases the prevalence of urinary incontinence and may be responsible for additional changes to those existing in a regular gestational period. This study aimed to describe the presence and symptoms of urinary incontinence in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. In this Cross-sectional case control study, forty pregnant women in third gestational trimester were allocated in two equal groups - control group (CG) and type 1 diabetic group (1DMG). The patients answered the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form and, to characterize the sample, they answered the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, gynecological history and, after delivery, the newborn weight was registered. The groups were compared using the Student's T Test for parametric variables and the U-Mann Whitney Test for non-parametric variables, both at 5% probability. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form score (p = 0.026) is higher in 1DMG (3.95 ± 4.70) compared to CG (1.05 ± 2.23). No correlations were found between time of diagnosis, HbA1c and newborn weight in relation to ICIQ-SF and other variables in CG and 1DMG with ICIQ-SF (p < 0.05). Type 1 diabetes mellitus, in the third trimester of gestation, seem to be associated with increase in the ICIQ-SF score.

Physical activity promotion among pregnancy - the role of physician from the women's perspective.

The clear benefits of planned and supervised physical activity (PA) during pregnancy make it imperative that women are encouraged and educated about this activity. This study aimed to investigate how effectively physician promote physical activity and exercise among pregnant women. It also examines pro-health changes in selected health behaviours during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 353 pregnant women in Wielkopolskie Voivodship in Poland. An anonymous survey (on-line or in-paper) was used to assess physical activity before and during pregnancy (with Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire), physical activity self-efficacy, well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), and guidance received from physicians on physical activity during pregnancy. Only 41% of women surveyed followed WHO recommendations for PA before pregnancy, and they were much more likely to discuss safety and the need to change the intensity or type of PA with their doctor or gynaecologist. Only 23% of women were asked about their PA before pregnancy and less than 40% were encouraged to be active during pregnancy. We observed a higher probability of poor well-being among pregnant women who were inactive before pregnancy (OR = 1.873, 95%CI 1.026 to 3.421, p = 0.041). Health professionals infrequently educate and motivate women to be physically active during pregnancy. Physician advice, as it is currently perceived by women, seems to be insufficient to help pregnant women meet the recommendations for PA during pregnancy.

Changed pattern of physical activity and energy expenditure among mid-pregnancy women during China's COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study examines the physical activity (PA) patterns and energy expenditure of Chinese pregnant women during the COVID-19 lockdown, their influencing factors, and explores potential improvement strategies. MethodsA survey using the Chinese version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) was conducted among 610 women in their second trimester. It compared their PA patterns and energy expenditure during the lockdown with pre-pandemic levels. Factors influencing PA were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and regression. ResultsAlthough aware of PA benefits, respondents overestimated their PA levels during lockdown, showing significantly lower PA and energy expenditure than before pregnancy, primarily in housework and caregiving activities. Average energy expenditure was 34.3 MET-hrs/wk. Influential factors included concerns about miscarriage/preterm birth, parity, pre-pregnancy exercise habits, and family opposition. ConclusionsThe lockdown notably decreased PA patterns and energy expenditure in mid-pregnancy, highlighting a gap between perception and practice. Activities were mainly sedentary to light-intensity. Influencing factors suggest the need for targeted health education and support. Implementing adaptive strategies, personalized antenatal care, effective health education, family engagement, and digital health tools could enhance PA during restrictive periods like lockdowns.

Significance of Physical Exercise in Pregnancy: Comparison of Short and Long Exercise Programs.

Several musculoskeletal changes occur in pregnancy, particularly in the abdominal region. The aim of this study was to search and compare the effects of long (LEP) and short exercise programs (SEP) in terms of the satisfaction of the needs of pregnant women. This study consisted of 2 groups: LEP (n=16) and SEP (n=16). Muscle thickness measurements determined by ultrasound, the 6 minute walk test, Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire were the study variables. Evaluations were done at the 16th (baseline), 24th, and 32nd gestational weeks. The LEP consisted of 20 and the SEP consisted of 9 exercises, which were applied for 16 weeks until the 32nd gestational week. Emotional role limitation and pain scores of quality of life, 6 minute walk test, and occupational physical activity were found to be better in the LEP group at the 24th gestational week (p=0.043, p=0.049, p=0.049, p=0.026). At the 32nd gestational week, the 6 minute walk test and occupational physical activity were found to be higher in the LEP group (p=0.006, p=0.017). Additionally, rectus abdominis and bilateral diaphragm muscle thicknesses, "moderate intensity and sports physical activity" and "vitality and emotional well-being" were increased over time with the LEP (p+<+0.05 for all). On the other hand, unilateral diaphragm muscle thickness, sports physical activity level, and vitality were improved with the SEP (p+<+0.05 for all). The SEP and LEP both have beneficial effects in pregnant women. However, the LEP increases physical activity level, functional capacity, and quality of life more than the SEP during the later stages of pregnancy.

Predictors of physical activity among Chinese pregnant women during the first trimester: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Physical activity during pregnancy has numerous health benefits for the woman and the foetus. The current study investigated physical activity engagement and its predictors among pregnant Chinese women during the first trimester. A total of 687 pregnant women completed the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The current physical activity guidelines were not met by 64.3% of respondents. Women with higher levels of physical activity self-efficacy (aOR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92–0.99) and social support (aOR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94–0.97) had lower odds of not meeting the current physical activity guidelines. Women who were aged < 35 years (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.02–3.34), had lower education (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.04–2.55), were primiparous (aOR = 11.03; 95% CI: 6.98–17.44), were unsure of their delivery mode (aOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.95–5.64), and those who had higher levels of pregnancy-associated discomfort (aOR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.19) had higher odds of not meeting the current physical activity guidelines. The current study suggests that healthcare professionals should assess physical activity engagement during routine antenatal care and increase efforts to strengthen pregnant women’s self-efficacy and social support to promote physical activity engagement during the first trimester.

Physical activity trajectory during pregnancy and associations with maternal fatigue using a growth mixture modeling approach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of physical activity trajectories with maternal fatigue. Pregnant women provided objectively assessed physical activity data by Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire four times. Fatigue scale-14 was used to assess fatigue during pregnancy. Growth mixture modelling characterized physical activity trajectories across pregnancy. The generalized estimating equations was used to analyze the relationship between different physical activity profiles and fatigue in pregnant women. A total of 626 pregnant women were included in analysis in a teaching hospital in Nantong city. Fatigue (total, mental and physical) was not different between two groups based on total energy expenditure of PA (constantly high vs. constantly low). The pregnant women in “constantly high household PA” group had the higher fatigue compared to “constantly low household PA” (P < 0.05) and “constantly medium household PA” (P < 0.05). The pregnant women in “constantly high sport PA” group had lower fatigue compared to “constantly low sport PA” (P < 0.05). Household PA and sport PA were still an independent influencing factor for fatigue after controlling for confounding variables. Specifically, we observed that higher household PA and lower sport PA were associated with higher fatigue during pregnancy.

Physical activity changes and influencing factors among Chinese pregnant women: a longitudinal study

Objective Participating in physical activity during pregnancy has benefited a lot from maternal and child health. However, there are few longitudinal studies describing activity patterns and related factors during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to investigate longitudinal physical activity changes and the influencing factors of Chinese pregnant women. Methods From January to August 2020, 240 pregnant women were recruited in Hangzhou, China. Physical activity during pregnancy was assessed in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy by using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results The daily energy consumption during first, second, and third trimesters was 20.55, 20.76, 17.19 METs-h/d. The results of repeated-measure analysis of variance and pairwise comparison showed that the total daily energy consumption of physical activity in the third trimester was significantly lower than that in the first and second trimesters, with statistical significance (p < 0.001). The generalized estimation equation showed that education level, pre-pregnancy BMI, gravidity, unnaturally conceived and pre-pregnancy exercise habits were the influencing factors of physical activity during pregnancy (p < 0.05). Conclusion Physical activity levels of pregnant women during different trimester were not optimistic. In order to improve physical activity during pregnancy and promote the health status of both mother and the developing baby, more attention should be paid on pregnant women with low education level, high BMI before pregnancy, primipara, unnaturally conceived and no good exercise habits before pregnancy.

Occupational physical activity as a determinant of daytime activity patterns and pregnancy and infant health.

Though physical activity (PA) is recommended during pregnancy, it remains unclear how occupational physical activity (OPA) and sedentary behavior (SB) contribute to activity patterns and health during pregnancy. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine if OPA pattern is a determinant of all-day PA and evaluate associations with pregnancy/infant health outcomes. Data was from two prospective cohorts with study visits each trimester: MoM Health (Pittsburgh, PA; n = 120) and PRAMS (Iowa City, Iowa; n = 20). Using employment status/job hours (self-reported in demographic questionnaires) and OPA from the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, latent class analysis identified three groups: sitting (n = 61), part-time mixed (n = 9), and active (n = 29). A fourth group included non-working participants (n = 32). Device-based PA (ActiGraph GT3X), SB (activPAL3 micro), and blood pressure were measured each trimester. Glucose screening test, gestational age, gestational weight gain, adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth), and infant outcomes (length, weight, and sex) were abstracted from medical records. Associations between groups with APOs and pregnancy/infant health were calculated using linear/logistic regression with adjustment for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, education, and race. Self-reported participant characteristics were similar across groups, except education which was higher in the sitting versus other groups. All-day device-based PA differed across groups; for example, the sitting group had the highest SB across trimester (all p<0.01) while the active group had the highest steps per day across trimesters (all p<0.01). Pregnancy/infant health did not differ between groups (all p>0.09). Compared to the non-working group, the risk of any APO was non-significantly higher in the sitting (OR = 2.27, 95%CI = 0.63-8.18) and active groups (OR = 2.40, 95%CI = 0.66-9.75), though not the part-time mixed (OR = 0.86, 95%CI = 0.08-9.1). OPA pattern is a determinant of all-day PA during pregnancy. Future studies with larger samples should examine associations between pregnancy OPA patterns and pregnancy/infant health.

The Mediating Role of Physical Activity Self‐Efficacy in Predicting Moderate‐Intensity Physical Activity in Pregnant People at High Risk for Gestational Diabetes

IntroductionGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication in pregnancy. Moderate‐intensity physical activity during pregnancy can lower the risk of GDM. However, the relationship between moderate‐intensity physical activity and correlated factors among pregnant people at high risk for GDM remains unknown.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in China. Two hundred fifty‐two participants completed the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, Pregnancy Physical Activity Self‐Efficacy Scale, Physical Activity Knowledge Questionnaire, Physical Activity Social Support Scale, 7‐item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and a sociodemographic data sheet. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the direct and indirect associations between the study variables.ResultsA total of 51.6% of the participants did not meet the current physical activity guidelines. Only physical activity self‐efficacy was significantly correlated with moderate‐intensity physical activity. Physical activity self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between moderate‐intensity physical activity and knowledge of physical activity, social support for physical activity, and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, knowledge of physical activity was also associated with improved moderate‐intensity physical activity mediated by reduced anxiety symptoms and increased physical activity self‐efficacy.ConclusionOur study revealed a high prevalence of not meeting current physical activity guidelines among pregnant people at high risk for GDM. Physical activity self‐efficacy played an important mediating role in predicting moderate‐intensity physical activity. Future studies should focus on enhancing self‐efficacy to improve moderate‐intensity physical activity for pregnant people at high risk for GDM.

The impact of health coaching on the prevention of gestational diabetes in overweight/obese pregnant women: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated that excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) increases the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to determine the effect of using health coaching on the prevention of GDM in overweight pregnant women.MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study, 64 eligible overweight women at 12–14 gestational weeks were randomly divided into 2 groups: the coaching group and the control group (usual care group). The intervention group received 8 weeks of the phone coaching program, which integrated GWG and physical activity to reduce the incidence of GDM. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) was used to assess physical activity during pregnancy. The occurrence of gestational diabetes was determined based on the 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was the incidence of GDM, and the secondary outcomes included physical activity, GWG, and neonatal and maternal birth outcomes.ResultsThe incidence of GDM in the control and intervention groups was 24.1% and 22.6%, respectively. The relative risk (RR) was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.37–2.34; P = 0.887). The post survey results indicated that GWG decreased more considerably in the coaching than in the control group between pre-trial (T0) and post-trial (T1), (MD; -2.49 with 95% CI, -4.38 to -0.60; P < 0.011). Moreover, the total GWG (between pre-pregnancy and birth) diminished more remarkably in the coaching than in the control group, (MD; -2.83 with 95% CI, -5.08 to -0.58; P < 0.014). However, the score of self-efficacy and concern about PPAQ Metabolic Equivalent of Task (METs) did not differ between the coaching and control groups.ConclusionsThe findings and implications of this research could significantly contribute to maternal health and gestational diabetes prevention. Additional support from a midwife coach resulted in better GWG. More studies are needed to assess the impact of health coaching as a component of usual care and its long-term effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Pregnancy physical activity questionnaire: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of a Greek version

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to translate and adapt the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) into Greek culture. Study designThe procedure followed to translate the PPAQ included the stages: forward translation, synthesis, backward translation and an expert committee review. Members of the research team discussed ambiguities, discordances and equivalence at each stage. Then, the pre-final Greek version of the PPAQ was pre-tested on 46 pregnant women; a quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted. ResultsFew modifications were done to the original PPAQ, in order to ensure cultural adaptation and clinical implementation. Appropriate changes to the international metric units were done. In addition, two items have been modified to achieve relevance with Greek culture. Two items were merged into one and three items were splitted, which maintained their initial meaning. Those changes were made to match the energy expenditure compendium update for physical activities. Participants at the pre-test had a mean age of 34,23 years, response time to the questionnaire varied between 5 and 10 min and there were no missing data. No difficulties or misunderstandings were reported by the participants during pre-testing. Thus, the research team agreed on the pre-final PPAQ Greek version. ConclusionThe final PPAQ Greek version indicated transcultural equivalence to the original PPAQ in English. It is also a unique questionnaire for assessing physical activity in Greek pregnant women and will be a useful tool in clinical routine.

General Health Status and Physical Activity Level of Pregnant Women in Bojnord, Iran During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Aims Major changes to lifestyle due to the COVID-19 pandemic increased the potential risk of psychological disorders among pregnant women. This study aims to investigate the general health status of pregnant women in Bojnord, Iran, and assess its relationship with their physical activity level. Methods This is a descriptive-correlational study. The statistical population consists of all pregnant women referred to prenatal care centers in Bojnord city, of whom 55 were selected as the study samples. The instruments were the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire and the 28-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-28). Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between the two variables. Results The mean scores for the GHQ-28 subscales of somatic symptoms, severe depression, social dysfunction, and anxiety/insomnia were 11.90, 11.91, 12.97, and 16.49, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between general health status and level of physical activity (r=0.54; P&lt;0.001). Regarding the four dimensions of GHQ-28, the results showed that physical activity had a negative and significant relationship with somatic symptoms (r=-0.61) and severe depression (r=-0.33), but it had no significant relationship with anxiety/insomnia and social dysfunction. Conclusion Pregnant women in Bojnord, Iran, are at risk of problems in several domains of general health during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is recommended that they stay active or engage in physical activity to regulate the psychological effects of the pandemic and quarantine.

Abstract P427: Effects Of Sedentary Activity In Pregnancy

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a multi-organ syndrome of late pregnancy characterized by gestational hypertension and proteinuria. There is strong evidence that maternal vascular dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Regular physical activity during pregnancy has the potential to reduce this risk. Although physical activity during pregnancy is recommended, patient adherence is low. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent to which physical activity was associated with cardiovascular function throughout pregnancy in order to serve as an important intervention to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: Pregnant patients in their first trimester were recruited from obstetric outpatient clinics at the University of Iowa. Once consented, research participants completed a study visit during each trimester of pregnancy. Participants were administered the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, a 36-item survey that asked about the amount of physical activity performed within the past 12 weeks. Participants’ vitals, BMI, and measures of vascular endothelial function and aortic stiffness were obtained at each visit. Results: Physical activity was measured in MET hours per week in each trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women engaged in less physical activity by the end of their pregnancy, with an average of 193.6 MET hrs/week during the first trimester compared to 166.9 MET hrs/week during the third trimester. Sedentary time was found to be positively correlated with BMI during the second (β = .114, 95% CI [.020, .209], p-value = .018) and third trimesters of pregnancy (β = .212, 95% CI [.083, .340], p-value = .001). In addition, sedentary time positively correlated with aortic stiffness during the third trimester (ρ = .192, p-value = .014). Conclusion: Excess gestational weight gain is associated with short- and long-term pregnancy complications, including the development of preeclampsia. We found that women were less active later in pregnancy, and that increased sedentary time was associated with higher BMI in the second and third trimesters. Therefore, it is imperative that physical activity be highly encouraged throughout pregnancy to help prevent adverse health outcomes.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the pregnancy exercise self-efficacy scale

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to adapt the Pregnancy Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (P-ESES) into Turkish, investigate its reliability and validity in Turkish pregnant women, and obtain a validated tool in order to assess the exercise self-efficacy during pregnancy. MethodsA total of 138 pregnant women participated in the present study. For the translation of the P-ESES into Turkish (P-ESES-T), a six-phase process was followed. The psychometric properties of the P-ESES-T were analyzed in respect of internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and criterion validity. To assess the validity of the P-ESES-T, the associations between the P-SES-T and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), the Sensewear Pro3 Armband (n = 31), and the Exercise Barries/Benefits Scale (EBBS) were analyzed. ResultsTest-retest reliability for the P-ESES-T total score was found to be very strong (ICCs: 0.986, p < 0.001). Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.899. There were strong correlations between the total scores of the P-ESES-T and PPAQ, and EBBS (r = 0.780, r = 0.874; p < 0.001). However, no significant correlations were found between the total number of steps and energy expenditure obtained from the physical activity monitor and the P-ESES-T (p > 0.05). ConclusionThe P-ESES-T is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to evaluate exercise self-efficacy, which is an important factor that affects exercise participation during pregnancy.

The relationship between kinesiophobia and physical activity levels, gestational weight gain, and musculoskeletal pain in pregnant women

ABSTRACT The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of kinesiophobia on musculoskeletal pain, physical activity levels, and gestational weight gain in pregnant women. One hundred and sixty-three pregnant women participated in the study by completing a personal characteristics information form along with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The results showed a weak negative correlation between total physical activity scores and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia scores (p = .005). Excessive gestational weight gain was associated with a 1.27-fold increase in kinesiophobia and a 1.16-fold increase in musculoskeletal pain compared to adequate weight gain (p < .001). Those with musculoskeletal pain had significantly higher kinesiophobia scores than those without musculoskeletal pain (p = .012). In the pregnant women in this study, an increase in kinesiophobia was associated with a decrease in physical activity. Sedentary and light-intensity activities prevailed among the pregnant women in the study. Musculoskeletal pain and kinesiophobia were associated with excessive weight gain, and those with pain had higher levels of kinesiophobia. Therefore, during pregnancy follow-ups, health professionals should evaluate pregnant women for kinesiophobia, pain, physical activity status, and weight gain.

Impact of physical activity on the quality of life of pregnant women

AIM: To study the effect of physical activity on the quality of life of pregnant women at various gestational ages.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study of physical activity and quality of life was performed in 99 pregnant women at various gestational periods. Criteria for inclusion in the study: age 1835 years; absence of acute extragenital pathology; consent to conduct research. Exclusion criteria: age younger than 18 and older than 35 years, the presence of acute extragenital pathology; lack of consent to participate in the study. To assess the physical activity of pregnant women, the international Pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ), consisting of 36 questions, was taken as a basis. In order to study the quality of life, an abbreviated methodology of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-26 (World Health Organizations Quality of Life), including 26 questions, was used.&#x0D; RESULTS: To achieve this goal, an adapted Russian-language version of the international questionnaire was developed that determines the level of physical activity in pregnant women PPAQ-RUS, on the basis of which a computer program was created. In the study, data were obtained on the statistically significant effect of a number of parameters of physical activity on the quality of life at various times of the gestational period. The correlation of professional activity with self-perception and the level of physical and psychological well-being, as well as activity associated with physical exercises, indicators of physical and psychological well-being was determined.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The conducted study can be the basis for further study of the influence of the level of physical activity of pregnant women on the course of the gestational period, as well as the study of the possibility of managing the quality of life of women by changing physical activity depending on the duration of pregnancy.

Low back pain, ultrasonographic muscle thickness measurements and biopsychosocial factors at different trimesters of pregnancy

BackgroundPregnancy-related low back pain is a multifactorial problem and its assosiation with pain intensity and biopsycosocial factors can not be fully explained. This study aimed to determine the psychosocial as well as biological/physical risk factors associated with self-reported low back pain (LBP) intensity during different trimesters of pregnancy. MethodsThis cross-sectional study comprised 107 pregnant women. An introductory information form for physical and medical characteristics, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for low back pain intensity and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for degree of loss of functionality, Short Form-36 (SF-36) for quality of life and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) for physical activity were applied. Abdominal muscle thicknesses and diastasis recti were measured by ultrasonography. Univariate regression was used to analyse associations between each plausible independent variable and low back pain intensity. ResultsMean LBP intensity during 1st, 2nd ve 3rd trimesters were 26.8 ± 20.9, 27.3 ± 19.8, 21.6 ± 20.1 mm, respectively. ODI scores were associated with LBP intensity, explaining 11%, 13% and 26% of LBP severity during the 1st, 2nd ve 3rd trimesters, respectively. Other biological/physical variables like age, body mass index, muscle thickness and diastasis recti were not associated with pain intensity. SF-36 emotional role limitation (coef = −0.03, R2 = 0.20, p = 0.01) in the 3rd trimester and SF-36 pain score in the 1st (coef = −0.04, R2 = 0.12, p = 0.02) and 3rd (coef = −0.05, R2 = 0.26, p = 0.004) trimesters and PPAQ-sedentary was associated during the 2nd trimester (coef = 0.17, R2 = 0.17, p = 0.02) with pain intensity. ConclusionODI scores were associated with LBP intensity in all three trimesters, with SF-36 pain domain in the 1st and 3rd trimesters, with SF-36 emotional role limitation only in the 3rd trimester and with sedentary activity level only in the 2nd trimester. İncreased pain intensity was surprisingly associated with a small number of biopsychosocial factors in all the trimesters. There is need for further large-sample studies.

Investigation of the Effect of Physical Activity Level on Fear of Birth and Quality of Life During Pregnancy

Purpose: Although the importance of physical activity in every period of life is known, it may decrease depending on the changes during pregnancy. This study aims to understand how physical activity levels, quality of life, and fear of childbirth are affected during pregnancy and to emphasize the importance of physical activity levels during pregnancy.&#x0D; Methods: Our study's population was planned as a cross-sectional study of pregnant women who applied to the Physiofit wellness center. The sample consists of 84 volunteer pregnant women participating in the study. Physical activity levels; with the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), quality of life; with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), fear of birth level; with Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A (WDEQ-A) were evaluated. &#x0D; Results: It was determined that the total PPAQ score median of pregnant women was 141.27. PPAQ sub-parameter scores were correlated with almost all sub-parameter scores of SF-36 (p

Update and Novel Validation of a Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire.

The aim of this study was to update and validate the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), using novel and innovative accelerometer and wearable camera measures in a free-living setting, to improve the measurement performance of this method for self-reporting physical activity. A prospective cohort of 50 eligible pregnant women were enrolled in early pregnancy (mean= 14.9 weeks' gestation). In early, middle, and late pregnancy, participants completed the updated PPAQ and, for 7 days, wore an accelerometer (GT3X-BT; ActiGraph, Pensacola, Florida) on the nondominant wrist and a wearable camera (Autographer; OMG Life (defunct)). At the end of the 7-day period, participants repeated the PPAQ. Spearman correlations between the PPAQ and accelerometer data ranged from 0.37 to 0.44 for total activity, 0.17 to 0.53 for moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity, 0.19 to 0.42 for light-intensity activity, and 0.23 to 0.45 for sedentary behavior. Spearman correlations between the PPAQ and wearable camera data ranged from 0.52 to 0.70 for sports/exercise and from 0.26 to 0.30 for transportation activity. Reproducibility scores ranged from 0.70 to 0.92 for moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity and from 0.79 to 0.91 for sports/exercise, and were comparable across other domains of physical activity. The PPAQ is a reliable instrument and a valid measure of a broad range of physical activities during pregnancy.