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Couple-Based Physical Activity Planning for New Parents: A Randomized Trial.
Ryan E Rhodes1, Chris M Blanchard2, Alison Quinlan1
1School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|July 6, 2021
Summary
A couple-based planning intervention increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in first-time mothers not meeting guidelines. Fathers showed no significant changes, suggesting targeted strategies are needed for promoting physical activity in new fathers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Parenthood, particularly for first-time parents, can significantly disrupt physical activity levels, potentially leading to long-term health issues.
- Establishing sedentary patterns early in parenthood can have lasting negative impacts on health and well-being.
- There is a need for effective interventions to support moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the demanding postpartum period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a couple-based planning skills intervention designed to enhance MVPA in first-time parents.
- To assess the impact of the intervention from approximately two months postpartum up to six months later.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 264 first-time parents (132 couples) was conducted.
- Couples were assigned to either an education control group or an education plus planning intervention group.
- Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using self-report, with accelerometry data being unusable due to missingness. Health-related fitness and BMI were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Self-reported MVPA analysis indicated that mothers' activity levels followed a significant quadratic pattern over time, irrespective of the intervention condition.
- Participants who were not meeting MVPA guidelines at baseline showed increased MVPA in the education plus planning group compared to those already meeting guidelines.
- Mothers' MVPA and BMI, strength, and flexibility showed significant changes, while fathers did not exhibit significant outcomes.
Conclusions:
- First-time mothers may respond more positively to MVPA interventions than fathers during early parenthood.
- Individuals already meeting MVPA guidelines may not benefit further from this specific intervention.
- Further research is required to develop effective strategies for promoting MVPA in fathers and sustaining physical activity beyond the initial intervention period.
