Exercise and Physical Activity Levels and Associated Factors Among High-Risk Pregnant Women

Abstract

Objective To assess the levels of physical activity and exercise practice, and examine the associated maternal characteristics; as well as the anxiety levels of high-risk pregnant women.

Methods A cross-sectional study conducted with pregnant women at a High-risk Prenatal Clinic (HRPC) in a tertiary maternity. Pregnant women of 18 to 40-years-old, with a single fetus, and with gestational age up to 38 weeks were included. The level of physical activity and exercise practice of the study's participants were investigated using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ). Maternal sociodemographic, anthropometric, and medical data were investigated using a specific form. For anxiety levels, the short version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was applied. We used the Student t-test, chi-square test, odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and multiple logistic regression. The significance level was 5%.

Results Among the 109 pregnant women included, 82 (75.2%) were classified as sedentary/little active. The higher energy expenditure were for domestic activities (133.81 ± 81.84 METs), followed by work-related activities (40.77 ± 84.71 METs). Only 19.3% women exercised during pregnancy (4.76 ± 12.47 METs), with slow walking being the most reported exercise. A higher level of education was the most important factor associated with women being moderately or vigorously active (OR = 29.8; 95% CI 4.9–117.8). Nulliparity (OR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.0–9.1), low levels of anxiety (OR = 3.6; 95% CI 1.2–10.7), and unemployment (OR = 4.8; 95% CI 1.1–19.6) were associated with the practice of exercise during pregnancy.

Conclusion Most women with high-risk pregnancies exhibited a sedentary pattern, with low prevalence of physical exercise practice. Recognizing factors that hinder the adoption of a more physically active lifestyle is essential for an individualized guidance regarding exercise during pregnancy.

Resumo

Objetivo Analisar o nível de atividade física e a prática de exercício físico, examinar as características maternas associadas, assim como níveis de ansiedade de gestantes de alto risco.

Métodos Estudo observacional, transversal e quantitativo, realizado no ambulatório de Pré-Natal de Alto Risco (PNAR) de uma maternidade terciária. Foram incluídas gestantes com idade entre de 18 e 40 anos; feto único e com idade gestacional (IG) até 38 semanas. O nível de atividade física e prática de exercício físico das participantes do estudo foram investigados usando o Questionário de Atividade Física na Gestação (QAFG). Os dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos e médicos maternais foram investigados usando um formulário específico. Para níveis de ansiedade, a versão curta do Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado (STAI) foi aplicado. Usamos o teste t de Student, teste qui-quadrado, razão de chances (OR) com um intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC 95%) e regressão logística multinomial. O nível de significância considerado foi 5%.

Resultados Das 109 gestantes incluídas no estudo, 82 (75,2%) foi classificada como sedentária/pouco ativa. Os maiores gastos energéticos foram em atividades domésticas (133.81 ± 81.84 METs), seguidas pelas atividades ocupacionais (40.77 ± 84.71 METs). Apenas 19.3% praticaram exercício físico durante a gravidez (4.76 ± 12.47 METs), sendo a caminhada lenta a atividade mais relatada. Maior grau de escolaridade foi o fator mais importante associado a gestante ser moderadamente ou vigorosamente ativa (OR = 29,8; IC 95% 4,9–117,8) . Nuliparidade (OR = 3,1; IC 95% 1,0–9,1), baixos níveis de ansiedade (OR = 3,6; IC 95% 1,2–10,7) e não trabalhar na gestação (OR = 4,8; IC 95% 1.1–19,6) foram associados à prática de exercício físico durante a gestação.

Conclusão A maioria das gestantes de alto risco desenvolveram um padrão sedentário, com baixa prevalência da prática de exercício físico. Reconhecer os fatores que dificultam a adoção de um estilo de vida mais ativo fisicamente é fundamental para a orientação adequada e individualizada acerca da prática de exercício físico durante a gestação.

Keywords

pregnancy - high-risk pregnancies - exercise - sedentary behavior - motor activity

Palavras-chave

gravidez - gravidez de alto risco - exercício físico - atividade motora - comportamento sedentário

Contributions

LAM: Protocol/project development, data collection or management, data analysis, manuscript writing/editing. ACRM: Protocol/project development, data collection or management, manuscript writing/editing. KTK: Protocol/project development, manuscript writing/editing. FGS: data analysis, manuscript writing/editing. MAM: data analysis, manuscript, writing/editing. SLN: Protocol/project development, data analysis, manuscript writing/editing.

Publication History

Received: 20 July 2021

Accepted: 17 December 2021

Article published online:
11 March 2022

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