The Effect of the More Active MuMs in Stirling Trial on Body Composition and Psychological Well-Being among Postnatal Women

Lee, Alyssa S; McInnes, Rhona J; Hughes, Adrienne R; Guthrie, Wendy; Jepson, Ruth

Abstract

Introduction. Physical activity is important for health and well-being; however, rates of postnatal physical activity can be low. This paper reports the secondary outcomes of a trial aimed at increasing physical activity among postnatal women. Methods. More Active MuMs in Stirling (MAMMiS) was a randomised controlled trial testing the effect of physical activity consultation and pram walking group intervention among inactive postnatal women. Data were collected on postnatal weight, body composition, general well-being, and fatigue. Participants were also interviewed regarding motivations and perceived benefits of participating in the trial. Results. There was no significant effect of the intervention on any weight/body composition outcome or on general well-being at three or six months of follow-up. There was a significant but inconsistent difference in fatigue between groups. Qualitative data highlighted a number of perceived benefits to weight, body composition, and particularly well-being (including improved fatigue) which were not borne out by objective data. Discussion. The MAMMiS study found no impact of the physical activity intervention on body composition and psychological well-being and indicates that further research is required to identify successful approaches to increase physical activity and improve health and well-being among postnatal women.

Citation

Lee, A. S., McInnes, R. J., Hughes, A. R., Guthrie, W., & Jepson, R. (2016). The Effect of the More Active MuMs in Stirling Trial on Body Composition and Psychological Well-Being among Postnatal Women. Journal of Pregnancy, 2016, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4183648

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 14, 2016
• Publication Date: 2016
• Deposit Date: Sep 15, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 30, 2019
• Journal: Journal of Pregnancy
• Print ISSN: 2090-2727
• Electronic ISSN: 2090-2735
• Publisher: Hindawi
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2016
• Pages: 1-10
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4183648
• Keywords: Physical activity, post-natal period,
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/375455