BACKGROUND: Numerous attempts have been made to improve women's physical activity participation during pregnancy, but activity levels remain low. AIM: To examine systematically the associations of physical activity participation during pregnancy with non-modifiable correlates (not subject to change) and modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity. METHODS: This systematic review followed PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis) guidelines. It includes cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that assessed non-modifiable correlates and modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity. Five electronic databases were searched for studies published in the English language between 2010 and 2017. An author-developed data collection tool was used to examine selected variables; effect sizes were determined; and study bias was assessed. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the final review. Overall, effect sizes for non-modifiable correlates of physical activity were small to moderate, except for mental health (d = 1.35) and prior physical activity (d = 0.63). By contrast, modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity (e.g., self-efficacy [d = 0.96-1.42] & intention to be physically active [d = 1.62]) had moderate to large effects in the expected direction with physical activity during pregnancy. DISCUSSION: The findings underscore the importance of developing physical activity interventions for pregnant women that are guided by modifiable theoretical correlates, taking into consideration non-modifiable correlates of physical activity. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Clinicians should help pregnant women to increase self-confidence in their ability to be physically active and provide anticipatory guidance to overcome barriers to physical activity.
BACKGROUND: Numerous attempts have been made to improve women's physical activity participation during pregnancy, but activity levels remain low. AIM: To examine systematically the associations of physical activity participation during pregnancy with non-modifiable correlates (not subject to change) and modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity. METHODS: This systematic review followed PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis) guidelines. It includes cross-sectional and longitudinal studies that assessed non-modifiable correlates and modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity. Five electronic databases were searched for studies published in the English language between 2010 and 2017. An author-developed data collection tool was used to examine selected variables; effect sizes were determined; and study bias was assessed. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the final review. Overall, effect sizes for non-modifiable correlates of physical activity were small to moderate, except for mental health (d = 1.35) and prior physical activity (d = 0.63). By contrast, modifiable theoretical correlates of physical activity (e.g., self-efficacy [d = 0.96-1.42] & intention to be physically active [d = 1.62]) had moderate to large effects in the expected direction with physical activity during pregnancy. DISCUSSION: The findings underscore the importance of developing physical activity interventions for pregnant women that are guided by modifiable theoretical correlates, taking into consideration non-modifiable correlates of physical activity. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Clinicians should help pregnant women to increase self-confidence in their ability to be physically active and provide anticipatory guidance to overcome barriers to physical activity.
Authors: A Gamble; B M Beech; C Blackshear; S J Herring; M A Welsch; J B Moore Journal: J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol Date: 2021-07-13 Impact factor: 1.814