Co-Design and Evaluation of the Feasibility and the Efficacy of a Multiple-Targeted Adapted Physical Activity Intervention to Promote Quality of Life, Well-Being and Physical Activity Levels in Pregnant Women: The “WELL-DONE!” Study Protocol

Sofia Marini, Dila Parma, Alice Masini, Virginia Bertini, Vincenza Leccese, Isotta Caravita, Davide Gori, Rossella Messina and Laura Dallolio
Additional contact information
Sofia Marini: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Dila Parma: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Alice Masini: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Virginia Bertini: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Vincenza Leccese: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Isotta Caravita: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Davide Gori: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Rossella Messina: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Laura Dallolio: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, Bologna Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-9

Abstract: Background: Regular physical activity (PA) practice during pregnancy offers health and fitness benefits for both mother and baby. Therefore, healthy pregnant women with no contraindications to exercise should be encouraged to perform PA. Nevertheless, their levels of PA are generally low. The aim of the WELL-DONE! Study is to co-design an adapted physical activity intervention (APAI) for pregnant women to include in childbirth preparation classes (CPCs) evaluating its feasibility and efficacy on quality of life (QoL), PA levels and other outcomes. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was divided in two progressive stages. First, APAI was developed in collaboration with pregnant women and midwives using focus groups; second, APAI’s efficacy was evaluated comparing two groups: the experimental group engaged in the CPCs integrated with 1 h/week of the APAI administered by midwives and the control group participating in the standard CPCs. Pre-post evaluation was carried out in three stages through questionnaires and tests. Data analysis involved the combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Discussion: Findings from the WELL-DONE! Study will help to assess the feasibility, sustainability, and efficacy of incorporating APAI inside CPCs as a new public health strategy oriented to QoL, well-being, and PA level improvements.

Keywords: pregnancy; childbirth preparation classes; adapted physical activity; exercise intervention; quality of life; co-design; focus group; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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