LTPA_pregnancy__v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploration of patterns in pregnant women's leisure time physical activity: The role of Motivation, Fear of Foetal Harm, and physical activity Need Support in antenatal care.
IRAS ID
354478
Contact name
Kimberley Farrugia
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 0 days
Research summary
Regular physical activity, a modifiable health behaviour mostly accessible when completed in leisure time, is an essential part of managing adaptations to physical and mental health during pregnancy. However, physical activity levels are reported to decline compared to pre-pregnancy, and this trend often continues into postpartum. Recent research has identified fear of harm as a considerable psycho-social barrier to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), mediated by self-efficacy towards physical activity knowledge and information-seeking. However, associations between fear of harm and LTPA throughout pregnancy remain largely cross-sectional, and there is a lack of understanding of the further potential influence of other commonly-reported social-environmental predictors outside of self-efficacy (e.g. exercise motivation and physical activity guidance from different maternity care providers).This study will be conducted in two phases, exploring the mechanisms of fear of foetal harm, healthcare-patient interaction, and exercise motivation.
Phase 1:
This quantitative longitudinal study will involve pregnant women recruited within 16 weeks of pregnancy. They will be sent an accelerometer device and answer a series of questionnaires for a period of seven days in early, mid, and late pregnancy. This will capture the relationship between fear of harm and LTPA over pregnancy, as well as the role of motivation and healthcare guidance.Phase 2:
This qualitative cross-sectional study will involve semi-structured interviews with midwife derivatives and pregnant women, sharing their experiences of providing or receiving physical activity support throughout pregnancy. Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams.This research is part of a PhD Studentship and is funded by the South West Doctoral Training Partnership at The University of Bath. This work will help healthcare professionals and pregnant women understand experiences of LTPA throughout pregnancy and how fear can be reduced.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0151
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion