Enhancing Accessibility of Physical Activity During Pregnancy: A Pilot Study on Women’s Experiences With Integrating Yoga Into Group Prenatal Care

Introduction: Health guidelines suggest that pregnant women should participate in daily physical activity, yet rarely do they meet these guidelines. Means to enhance accessibility of physical activity for pregnant women are required, and yoga has been suggested as a possible method to enhance women’s sense of confidence and competence with physical activity. In this pilot study, our primary aim is to evaluate pregnant women’s perceptions about their lived experience of an intervention which integrates a low-intensity form of physical activity, yoga, into prenatal care; our secondary aim is to evaluate changes in participants’ self-efficacy for physical activity and time spent in physical activity over time. Methods: Held in an outpatient obstetrics department of an urban hospital system in the United States, this pilot study enrolled 16 pregnant women to participate in the intervention throughout their pregnancy. We explored participants’ lived experience of the intervention using qualitative methods (phenomenology). Means, variances, and covariances were calculated for the 2 measures (self-efficacy and time spent in physical activity) over the intervention period. Results: Qualitative findings from focus groups suggest that it is acceptable for prenatal yoga to be integrated into group prenatal care classes and women reported increased confidence with physical activity during pregnancy. Participants did not consider the intervention to fit within the traditional definition of exercise. Women reported increased amounts of time spent in physical activity from baseline to the end of pregnancy, but there were no statistically significant changes in self-efficacy over time. Discussion: The integration of gentle physical activity into the group prenatal care model warrants further attention for potential benefits with regard to maternal physical and mental wellness.

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Mujeres Fuertes y Corazones Saludables, a Culturally Tailored Physical Activity and Nutrition Program for Rural Latinas: Findings from a Pilot Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16040630 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 630 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rebecca Seguin ◽

Cynthia Perry ◽

Emma Solanki ◽

Jean McCalmont ◽

Judy Ward ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

United States ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

The United States ◽

Qualitative Description ◽

Nutrition Program ◽

Culturally Adapted

In the United States, Latino adults, compared with non-Hispanic white adults, are less likely to meet physical activity and dietary recommendations, and have higher rates of obesity. There is an urgent need for culturally adapted health promotion programs that meet the needs of the growing Latino population in the United States. We systematically adapted StrongWomen—Healthy Hearts, an evidence-based physical activity and nutrition program, for rural Latinas. This paper reports results from a pilot study of the adapted program. We used mixed methods to assess the feasibility and efficacy of the adapted program, Mujeres Fuertes y Corazones Saludables, in a nonprofit community organization serving rural Latinos. The intervention consisted of sixty-minute classes held twice weekly for 12 weeks and included 30 minutes of physical activity and 30 minutes of nutrition education. To assess efficacy, we used a one-group, pre–post design with overweight/obese, sedentary, middle-aged or older, Spanish-speaking rural Latinas (n = 15). Outcome measures included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, dietary behavior, and self-efficacy for diet and physical activity. Process outcomes included attendance, end of class surveys, mid-program evaluation survey, and a post-program focus group. We calculated means and standard deviations, paproired t-tests, and Cohen’s D effect size. Qualitative data were analyzed using qualitative description. Significant changes pre- to post-program included weight (−1.5 kg; p = 0.009), BMI (−0.6; p = 0.005), waist circumference (−3.0 cm; p = 0.008), 6-minute walk test (69.7 m; p < 0.001), frequency of sugar-added drink consumption (−0.7 servings; p = 0.008), fruit and vegetable intake (1.3 servings; p = 0.035), and physical activity self-efficacy (0.9 points; p = 0.022). Participants found the program motivating and enjoyable, and on average participants attended 62% of classes and fidelity was maintained. This pilot study suggests that this culturally adapted physical activity and nutrition program for rural Latinas shows promise in improving physical activity, diet, and obesity.

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A Pilot Study of a Sleep Intervention Delivered through Group Prenatal Care to Overweight and Obese Women

Behavioral Sleep Medicine ◽

10.1080/15402002.2019.1613995 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 477-487 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mary Ashley Cain ◽

Jessica Brumley ◽

Adetola Louis-Jacques ◽

Michelle Drerup ◽

Marilyn Stern ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Prenatal Care ◽

Group Prenatal Care ◽

Obese Women

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An Online Physical Activity Intervention for Youth With Physical Disabilities: A Pilot Study

Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences ◽

10.3389/fresc.2021.651688 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

Ritu Sharma ◽

Amy E. Latimer-Cheung ◽

John Cairney ◽

Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Physical Disabilities ◽

Self Regulation ◽

Implementation Fidelity ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Feedback Questionnaire

Background: Physical activity (PA) interventions are limited in number and reach for youth with physical disabilities (YPD) who experience systemic barriers that may preclude their in-person participation. Further, a lack of theory in the development and evaluation of PA interventions impedes our understanding and replication of active components of behavior change. These limitations pose challenges in the effective promotion of PA in YPD. Theory-based and more inclusive methods of PA intervention delivery must be explored in our efforts to promote PA and overall health in YPD.Methods: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of an online, 4-week social cognitive theory-based PA intervention for YPD. Intervention feasibility (implementation fidelity, intervention compliance, and intervention acceptability) was evaluated through manual documentation, weekly feedback questionnaires, and open-ended feedback at 1-month post-intervention. Targeted social cognitive (outcome expectations, self-efficacy [task, self-regulatory, barrier] and self-regulation) and PA behavior outcomes were self-reported at baseline and 1-week and 1-month post-intervention.Results: Sixteen YPD (Mage = 17.4 ± 2.7 years, 69% female) completed the study. Intervention feasibility was supported by high implementation fidelity (100%), high intervention compliance (>90%), and positive ratings on indicators of acceptability for all weeks of the intervention (weekly feedback questionnaire means ranging from 5.74 to 6.19 out of 7). Through open-ended feedback, participants indicated the intervention was easy to use and understand, favorably shifted their self-awareness and personal meaning of PA, and provided value and potential for future use pertaining to the learned self-regulation skills and strategies. Participants also provided formatting and content recommendations for intervention improvement. Repeated measures ANOVAs showed significant and large effect sizes for changes in participants' task (p = 0.01, n2p = 0.28) and barrier (p = 0.02, n2p = 0.24) self-efficacy, goal-setting and planning and scheduling behaviors (ps < 0.001, n2ps = 0.42), and self-reported PA behavior (p = 0.02, n2p = 0.26).Conclusions: An online PA intervention for YPD is feasible and may offer potential benefit through the enhancement of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and PA behavior. Continued research is necessary to understand the efficacy and longer-term outcomes of online, theory-based interventions for YPD as a PA promotion strategy.

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Primary Care and Physical Literacy: A Non-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Combat the High Prevalence of Physically Inactive Adults in Austria

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168593 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8593

Author(s):

Peter Holler ◽

Johannes Jaunig ◽

Othmar Moser ◽

Silvia Tuttner ◽

Helmut Simi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Physical Literacy ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Activity Behavior

The multidimensional concept of physical literacy is fundamental for lifelong physical activity engagement. However, physical literacy-based interventions are in their infancy, especially among adults. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the association of a physical literacy-based intervention with changes in self-reported physical literacy among inactive adults. A non-randomized controlled study (2 × 2 design) was conducted, comparing pre- vs. postintervention. Twenty-eight inactive healthy participants in the intervention group (89% female, 53 ± 10 years) entered a physical literacy-based intervention once weekly for 14 weeks. The non-treated control group consisted of 22 inactive adults (96% female, 50 ± 11 years). Physical literacy was evaluated with a questionnaire encompassing five domains: physical activity behavior, attitude/understanding, motivation, knowledge, and self-efficacy/confidence. ANOVA models were applied to evaluate changes by time and condition. Following the intervention, significant improvements were seen for overall physical literacy and in four out of five physical literacy domains, including physical activity behavior, attitude/understanding, knowledge, and self-efficacy/confidence (all p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.38–0.83). No changes by time x condition were found for motivation. The physical literacy-based intervention applied in this study may be a promising approach to help inactive adults to adopt an active lifestyle.

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An Investigation Into the Effects of Prenatal Care Instruction at Home on Breast-Feeding Self-Efficacy of First-Time Pregnant Women Referred to Shiraz Clinics, Iran

International Journal of Women s Health and Reproduction Sciences ◽

10.15296/ijwhr.2018.08 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 41-46 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Hamideh Mohseni ◽

Iran Jahanbin ◽

Eghbal Sekhavati ◽

Reza Tabrizi ◽

Maasoumeh Kaviani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Breast Feeding ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

First Time ◽

At Home

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Correction: Group prenatal care experiences among pregnant women in a Bangladeshi community

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0220816 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (7) ◽

pp. e0220816

Author(s):

Marufa Sultana ◽

Nausad Ali ◽

Raisul Akram ◽

Tania Jahir ◽

Rashidul Alam Mahumud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Group Prenatal Care

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Recommendations of physical activity and rest in a Colombian prenatal control program

Revista de Saúde Pública ◽

10.11606/s1518-8787.2019053000934 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 53 ◽

pp. 41

Author(s):

Myriam Ruiz-Rodríguez ◽

Yuri Sánchez-Martínez ◽

Paula Camila Ramírez-Muñoz ◽

Diana Marina Camargo-Lemos

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Primary Care ◽

Prenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Care Program ◽

Health Centers ◽

Sampling Frame ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Physical Activity Recommendations ◽

Activity Recommendations

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of the registry of physical activity and rest recommendations made to pregnant women and to explore their associated factors in a prenatal care program of primary care public institutions in Bucaramanga, Colombia. METHODS: An observational study was conducted. The sampling frame consisted of the medical records of the pregnant women who attended at least one prenatal care program between January 1 and December 31, 2012 (n = 2.932), in 21 primary care health centers. We analyzed sociodemographic variables, prenatal and clinical antecedents, and information related to health personnel and the organization of health centers as possible factors associated with the recommendations of physical activity and rest recorded in the clinical history. Logistic regression models were applied to explore associations with α = 0.10. RESULTS: There was a frequency of 26.1% of PA recommendations and 3.6% of rest recommendation on record, issued by nutrition (97.3%) and medical (86.7%) professionals, respectively. The factors associated with the registration of physical activity recommendations were: being nulliparous pregnant (OR = 1.7), attending more than four Prenatal Care Attention Programs (OR = 2.2), having high or medium obstetric risk in the first prenatal care program (OR = 0.6), and being attended in the western (OR = 0.5) and eastern (OR = 0.2) administrative areas health centers. CONCLUSIONS: The low frequency of physical activity recommendations found in the records makes it necessary to reinforce the management strategies of health centers and strengthen the monitoring and accompaniment to comply with the care protocols. In addition, it is necessary to train health teams on the benefits of physical activity and their proper prescription, considering the multiple benefits derived from their practice on the maternal-fetal health.

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Feasibility of a Texting Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence Among Older HIV+ African Americans: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study

Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine ◽

10.1177/2333721419855662 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 233372141985566 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marta E. Pagan-Ortiz ◽

Paul Goulet ◽

Laura Kogelman ◽

Sue E. Levkoff ◽

Patricia Flynn Weitzman

Keyword(s):

Medication Adherence ◽

Pilot Study ◽

African Americans ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Text Messaging ◽

The United States ◽

Self Report ◽

Art Adherence ◽

Older African Americans

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the primary treatment for HIV, and adherence to it is crucial to addressing health disparities. Approximately half of individuals in the United States living with HIV are African Americans, and those over 45 years of age are more likely to die early from HIV/AIDS than their White counterparts. This mixed-method pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a text-based mobile phone intervention designed to improve ART adherence among older African Americans with HIV. Feasibility was assessed via implementation, participant adherence, acceptability, and satisfaction, as well as short-term impact on medication adherence, adherence-related self-efficacy, and positive affect. The intervention utilized pill reminder, motivational, and health educational texts. Participants ( N = 21) ranged in age from 50 to 68 years. Outcomes were evaluated via quantitative results from self-report measures and qualitative data from four focus groups. There was no attrition in participation. After 8 weeks, participants reported statistically significant improvements in medication adherence, but not in self-efficacy or affect scores. Qualitative findings highlight the psychologically supportive potential of the intervention, challenges to adherence, as well as suggestions for improvement. The study demonstrates that a text messaging intervention may be feasible for older African Americans with HIV, and helpful in supporting ART adherence.

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