Moms in Motion: A Study on Postnatal Exercise Programs
Author Information
Author(s): Anita G Cramp, Lawrence R Brawley
Primary Institution: McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, CA
Hypothesis
GMCB participants would demonstrate superior initial and sustained exercise participation compared to participants in the SE condition.
Conclusion
The GMCB intervention produced greater improvement in overall physical activity, barrier efficacy, and proximal outcome expectations compared to the standard exercise program.
Supporting Evidence
- GMCB participants reported a significantly higher change in frequency and volume of physical activity compared to SE participants.
- GMCB participants had significantly greater changes in proximal outcome expectations than SE participants.
- The SE condition experienced a decline in barrier efficacy, whereas the GMCB condition experienced a small increase.
Takeaway
This study shows that a special exercise program for new moms helps them be more active and feel better about overcoming challenges to exercise.
Methodology
A randomized, two-arm intervention design comparing a standard exercise treatment to a standard exercise treatment plus group-mediated cognitive behavioral intervention.
Potential Biases
Self-selection of participants may introduce bias as those who volunteered may be more motivated.
Limitations
Participants were self-selected volunteers, which may not represent all postnatal women, and physical activity was self-reported.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 31.5 years, with an average of 1.6 children.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.05
Statistical Significance
p < 0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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