Effects of two theory-­‐based interven/ons on physical ac/vity and fa/gue among postpartum mothers Emily L. Mailey Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University Background Data Analysis The transition to parenthood is associated with steep declines in physical
activity and excessive fatigue. During the first year postpartum, mothers face
numerous physical, emotional, and structural barriers to engaging in physical
activity. Thus, effective theory-based physical activity interventions targeting
women during the postpartum period are needed.
ObjecIve The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two intervention
approaches on physical activity and fatigue among postpartum mothers. The
interventions were based on Social Cognitive Theory and Self-Determination
Theory.
ParIcipants Inactive females (N=49) between 6 weeks and 12 months postpartum were
recruited to participate in the study. Baseline characteristics of the sample
include:
•  M age=32.3 years
•  M age of youngest child: 5.8 months
•  First child: 67.3%
•  Employed full-time: 63.3%
•  Caucasian: 87.8%
Measures Physical activity (self-report): Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire
(GLTEQ)
Physical activity (objective): Actigraph accelerometer
Fatigue: Fatigue Symptom Inventory
•  Accelerometer counts >1952 were summed and averaged across valid days to
determine daily minutes of moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
•  Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze changes in self-reported
exercise, accelerometer-measured MVPA, and total fatigue from baseline to
post-intervention.
•  Standardized residual change scores were calculated for each variable, and
correlation analyses were used to examine the relationship between changes
in physical activity and changes in fatigue.
Results Both self-reported leisure-time exercise [F (1,42) = 29.67, p<.001, η2 = 0.41]
and accelerometer-measured MVPA [F (1,40) = 7.01, p=.01, η2 = 0.15] increased
from pre- to post-intervention (Figure 1). Effects did not differ between
groups.
MVPA (Accelerometer) Leisure-­‐Time Exercise (Self-­‐Report) 40 40 35 35 30 30 25 25 20 EBI 20 ASI 15 EBI ASI 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 Baseline Post-­‐interven/on Baseline Post-­‐interven/on Figure 1. Changes in self-­‐reported (le<) and accelerometer-­‐measured (right) physical ac'vity from pre-­‐ to post-­‐interven'on Participants reported significant declines in general fatigue [F (1,42) = 19.21,
p<.001, η2 = 0.31] which were significantly associated with changes in selfreported exercise (r=-.40, p=.007; Figure 2). The relationship between changes
in fatigue and changes in accelerometer-measured MVPA was not significant
(r=.05, p=.76).
2.5 2 IntervenIons All participants attended 3 group-based workshop sessions, which lasted 1.5
hours each and were spaced 1 month apart. Participants in both groups
engaged in goal setting, identifying exercise benefits, developing strategies for
overcoming barriers, and discussing relapse prevention. All participants
received an Omron pedometer.
Efficacy-Building Intervention (EBI): To build self-efficacy, participants in this
group received a recommended exercise protocol (the Couch to 5k program)
that emphasized gradual progression and mastery experiences.
Autonomy-Supportive Intervention (ASI): To facilitate the development of
autonomous physical activity motives, participants in this group were
encouraged to accumulate physical activity in any way that suited their
current lifestyle, and to select activities that aligned with their core roles and
values.
Long-­‐term goals Short-­‐term goals Successful Career Clear head Good parent 1 0.5 0 -­‐2 -­‐1 0 1 2 3 4 -­‐0.5 -­‐1 -­‐1.5 -­‐2 -­‐2.5 Change in Physical AcIvity Figure 2. Rela'onship between changes in physical ac'vity and changes in fa'gue across the interven'on period Happy person •  The results of this study suggest interventions based on social cognitive
theory (EBI) and self-determination theory (ASI) may be effective for
increasing physical activity among postpartum mothers.
•  Increases in physical activity were associated with reductions in fatigue,
which may have significant implications for new mothers’ quality of life.
•  Future research should explore these intervention approaches in larger, more
diverse samples and assess key mediators of effects on physical activity.
Society of Behavioral Medicine, San Antonio TX, April 22-­‐25, 2015 RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN © 2012
www.PosterPresentations.com
5 Conclusions Yoga Less stress
Change in FaIgue 1.5