The Effect of the More Active MuMs in Stirling Trial on Body Composition and Psychological Well-Being among Postnatal Women.
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.
School of Health Sciences & Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK.
Alyssa S
0000-0002-8803-9852
AS
Lee
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK.
Rhona J
0000-0003-0938-2861
RJ
McInnes
School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1QE, UK.
Adrienne R
0000-0001-8602-1299
AR
Hughes
School of Health Sciences & Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK.
Wendy
0000-0002-4469-4011
W
Guthrie
Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9DX, UK.
Ruth
R
Jepson
D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D015444:Exercise; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D049590:Postpartum Period; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012606:Scotland