Sarah Jane Liva1, Wendy Anne Hall2, John Oliffe2. 1. School of Nursing, Trinity Western University, 7600 Glover Road, Langley, BC, V2Y 1Y1, Canada. sarah.liva@twu.ca. 2. School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Challenges with engaging in postnatal physical activity can negatively affect the health of women and their families. This study investigated women's physical activity decision-making processes and strategies to support their physical activity as part of a healthy postpartum transition. METHODS: Thirty healthy women with infants aged 2.5-12 months completed 3-day activity diaries and an individual interview. Using Glaser and Charmaz's grounded theory methodology, the core category, reconciling relationships with physical activity, was constructed, which explained women's processes of postnatal physical activity decision-making. RESULTS: Through reconciling relationships with physical activity, women discerned the types of physical activity they were comfortable pursuing at various points in the postpartum transition. Based on the meaning physical activity held for participants and their views about risks, supports, and resources, women gauged their capacity and the workability of their physical activity desires. Most women were uncertain of their capacity (physical, emotional) to return to physical activity and viewed the achievement of several or all of their desired physical activities as unworkable. Only a small group of women fully pursued the desirable physical activities they viewed as important for their well-being. Women adjusted the strategies they used to achieve physical activity when their expectations of capacity and workability did not align with their experiences. Some women lacked access to resources or supportive messaging about postpartum physical activity and downgraded their physical activity pursuit after negative personal physical or childcare experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Women can benefit from discussions about physiological birth recovery and navigating community and peer resources to support physical activity access and the safe return to physical activity following birth.
BACKGROUND: Challenges with engaging in postnatal physical activity can negatively affect the health of women and their families. This study investigated women's physical activity decision-making processes and strategies to support their physical activity as part of a healthy postpartum transition. METHODS: Thirty healthy women with infants aged 2.5-12 months completed 3-day activity diaries and an individual interview. Using Glaser and Charmaz's grounded theory methodology, the core category, reconciling relationships with physical activity, was constructed, which explained women's processes of postnatal physical activity decision-making. RESULTS: Through reconciling relationships with physical activity, women discerned the types of physical activity they were comfortable pursuing at various points in the postpartum transition. Based on the meaning physical activity held for participants and their views about risks, supports, and resources, women gauged their capacity and the workability of their physical activity desires. Most women were uncertain of their capacity (physical, emotional) to return to physical activity and viewed the achievement of several or all of their desired physical activities as unworkable. Only a small group of women fully pursued the desirable physical activities they viewed as important for their well-being. Women adjusted the strategies they used to achieve physical activity when their expectations of capacity and workability did not align with their experiences. Some women lacked access to resources or supportive messaging about postpartum physical activity and downgraded their physical activity pursuit after negative personal physical or childcare experiences. CONCLUSIONS:Women can benefit from discussions about physiological birth recovery and navigating community and peer resources to support physical activity access and the safe return to physical activity following birth.
Authors: James F Sallis; Robert B Cervero; William Ascher; Karla A Henderson; M Katherine Kraft; Jacqueline Kerr Journal: Annu Rev Public Health Date: 2006 Impact factor: 21.981
Authors: Sawayra Owais; Cheryl H T Chow; Melissa Furtado; Benicio N Frey; Ryan J Van Lieshout Journal: Sleep Med Rev Date: 2018-01-31 Impact factor: 11.609