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Woodroffe L, Slayman T, Paulson A, Kruse N, Mancuso A, Hall M. Return to Running for Postpartum Elite and Subelite Athletes. Sports Health 2024:19417381241256973. [PMID: 38864285 DOI: 10.1177/19417381241256973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT There is little evidence to guide elite athletes who desire returning to competition after giving birth to a child. Ultimately, this can result in decreased performance and increased risk of injury. This paper addresses aspects that must be considered when building and monitoring a return to running program for a postpartum elite or subelite athlete, including pelvic floor and core stability, progressive reloading of the musculoskeletal system, monitoring of nutritional parameters, and considerations for lactation. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION PubMed and CINAHL (Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched with the following search strategy: (extreme sports OR elite athletes OR running OR exercise) AND (breastfeeding OR lactation OR bone density OR fetal weight OR gestational weight gain OR postpartum or post-partum OR postnatal OR post-natal OR pregnancy OR childbirth). The following information is based on best available evidence and clinical experience. STUDY DESIGN Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4. RESULTS Due to the interplay between cardiovascular fitness, postpartum nutrition, lactation, and progressive reloading of the muscular and skeletal system, we propose a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach to safely and successfully allow an athlete to return to an elite level of competition. CONCLUSION Return to running in the postpartum period is a highly individualized process that benefits from multidisciplinary, individualized care. This includes monitoring of nutrition, core and pelvic floor function, bone reloading, muscle and tendon reloading, and breastfeeding care when applicable. STRENGH OF RECOMMENDATION TAXONOMY (SORT) C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Woodroffe
- University of Iowa Institute of Orthopedics Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Tyler Slayman
- University of Iowa Institute of Orthopedics Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Amanda Paulson
- University of Iowa Institute of Orthopedics Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Natalie Kruse
- University of Iowa Healthcare Main Campus, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Abigail Mancuso
- University of Iowa Healthcare Main Campus, Iowa City, Iowa
- University of Iowa Healthcare West Des Moines Campus, West Des Moines, Iowa
| | - Mederic Hall
- University of Iowa Institute of Orthopedics Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, Iowa
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Christopher SM, Donnelly G, Brockwell E, Bo K, Davenport MH, De Vivo M, Dufour S, Forner L, Mills H, Moore IS, Olson A, Deering RE. Clinical and exercise professional opinion of return-to-running readiness after childbirth: an international Delphi study and consensus statement. Br J Sports Med 2024; 58:299-312. [PMID: 38148108 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Female athletes have identified a lack of guidance as a barrier to successfully returning to running postpartum, and existing guidelines are vague. Our aim was to define the current practice of determining postpartum run-readiness through a consensus survey of international clinicians and exercise professionals in postpartum exercise to assist clinicians and inform sport policy changes.A three-round Delphi approach was used to gain international consensus from clinicians and exercise professionals on run-readiness postpartum. Professionals who work with postpartum runners participated in an online survey to answer open-ended questions about the following postpartum return-to-running topics: definitions (runner and postpartum), key biopsychosocial milestones that runners need to meet, recommended screening, timeline to initiate running, support items, education topics and factors that contribute to advising against running. Consensus was defined as ≥75% participant agreement.One hundred and eighteen professionals participated in round I, 107 participated in round II (response rate 90.6%) and 95 participated in round III (response rate 80.5%). Responses indicated that, following a minimum 3-week period of rest and recovery, an individualised timeline and gradual return to running progression can be considered. Screening for medical and psychological concerns, current physical capacity, and prior training history is recommended prior to a return to running.This study proposes recommendations for the initial guidance on return-to-running postpartum, framed in the context of current research and consensus from professionals. Future research is needed to strengthen and validate specific recommendations and develop guidelines for best practice when returning-to-running after childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefali Mathur Christopher
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Tufts University, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Elon University, Elon, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gráinne Donnelly
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Kari Bo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lorenskog, Norway
| | - Margie H Davenport
- Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, Physical Activity and Diabetes Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marlize De Vivo
- Perinatal Physical Activity Research Group, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Section of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Active Pregnancy Foundation, None, UK
| | - Sinead Dufour
- The World of my Baby (WOMB), Faculty of Health Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lori Forner
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hayley Mills
- Perinatal Physical Activity Research Group, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Section of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
| | - Isabel S Moore
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Rita E Deering
- Department of Physical Therapy, Carroll University, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Schulz JM, Marmura H, Hewitt CM, Parkinson LJ, Thornton JS. Navigating the 'new normal': what guidelines exist for postpartum return to physical activity and sport? A scoping review. Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:1573-1578. [PMID: 37898507 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women are often advised to return to activity (RTA) as early as 6 weeks postpartum, despite undergoing significant physical, physiological and psychological changes. Our objective was to examine existing evidence and clinical practice guidelines to navigate a safe and successful RTA or return to sport (RTS) postpartum. METHODS We searched CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus and included any secondary studies with recommendations or guidelines for RTA or RTS postpartum. Grey literature and primary sources were excluded. Four reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review for eligibility, with conflicts resolved by a third-party reviewer. One reviewer extracted data, which was cross-referenced by another reviewer. RESULTS 5851 studies were screened, and 33 were included in this scoping review. Most studies stated that RTS postpartum can begin once 'medically safe', around 6 weeks postpartum, but this term was generally left undefined. In addition, most studies recommended engaging in 150 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week after 6 weeks postpartum, but the type of exercise recommended was often non-specific. CONCLUSION A lack of consistent, evidence-based guidelines exist for RTA or RTS postpartum. Multiple evidence gaps require additional research to inform patient and activity specific guidelines for a safe and successful RTA or RTS postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Schulz
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Fowler-Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Bone & Joint Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hana Marmura
- Fowler-Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Bone & Joint Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chloe M Hewitt
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura J Parkinson
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jane S Thornton
- Fowler-Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Bone & Joint Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Giagio S, Innocenti T, Pillastrini P, Gava G, Salvioli S. What is known from the existing literature about the available interventions for pelvic floor dysfunction among female athletes? A scoping review. Neurourol Urodyn 2022; 41:573-584. [PMID: 35094428 PMCID: PMC9305779 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Aim Methods Results Conclusions
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giagio
- Division of Occupational Medicine IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero‐Universitaria di Bologna Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Tiziano Innocenti
- Department of Health Science, Faculty of Science Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Pillastrini
- Division of Occupational Medicine IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero‐Universitaria di Bologna Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM) Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Giulia Gava
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero ‐Universitaria di Bologna Bologna Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health Campus of Savona University of Genova Genova Italy
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Jackson T, Bostock EL, Hassan A, Greeves JP, Sale C, Elliott-Sale KJ. The Legacy of Pregnancy: Elite Athletes and Women in Arduous Occupations. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2021; 50:14-24. [PMID: 34669626 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Best-practice guidance and management of pregnant and postpartum elite athletes and women in arduous occupations is limited by the lack of high-quality evidence available within these populations. We have summarised the adaptations and implications of pregnancy and childbirth; proposed a novel integrative concept to address these changes; and made recommendations to progress research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Jackson
- Sport Health and Performance Enhancement (SHAPE) Research Centre, Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK Army Health and Performance Research, Army Headquarters, Andover, UK Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health (ISEH), Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Kimber ML, Meyer S, McHugh TL, Thornton J, Khurana R, Sivak A, Davenport MH. Health Outcomes after Pregnancy in Elite Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 53:1739-1747. [PMID: 33560776 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate postpartum maternal health and training outcomes of females who were competing or training as elite athletes before or during pregnancy. METHODS Online databases were searched up to August 26, 2020. Studies of any design and language were eligible if they contained information on the relevant population (postpartum athletes [any period after pregnancy]), exposure (engaged in the highest level of sport immediately before or during pregnancy), comparators (sedentary/active controls), and outcomes: maternal (breastfeeding initiation and duration, postpartum weight retention or loss, bone mineral density, low back or pelvic girdle pain, incontinence [prevalence or severity of stress, urge or mixed urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence], injury, anemia, diastasis recti, breast pain, depression, anxiety) and training (<6 wk time to resume activity, training volume or intensity, performance level). RESULTS Eleven studies (n = 482 females, including 372 elite athletes) were included. We identified "very low" certainty evidence demonstrating a higher rate of return to sport before 6 wk postpartum among elite athletes compared with nonelite athletes (n = 145, odds ratio = 6.93, 95% confidence interval = 2.73-17.63, I2 = 11). "Very low" certainty evidence from three studies (n = 179) indicated 14 elite athletes obtained injuries postpartum (7 stress fractures, 9 "running injuries"). "Very low" certainty evidence from five studies (n = 262) reported that 101 (40.5%) elite athletes experienced improved performance postpartum. CONCLUSION Compared with controls, "very low" quality evidence suggests that elite athletes return to physical activity early in the postpartum period and may have an increased risk of injury. Additional high-quality evidence is needed to safely guide return to sport of elite athletes in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Kimber
- Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sports and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CANADA
| | - Sarah Meyer
- Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sports and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CANADA
| | - Tara-Leigh McHugh
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sports, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CANADA
| | - Jane Thornton
- Department of Family Medicine, Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic, and Department of Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, CANADA
| | - Rshmi Khurana
- Departments of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CANADA
| | - Allison Sivak
- University of Alberta Libraries, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CANADA
| | - Margie H Davenport
- Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sports and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CANADA
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Wan Mohamed Radzi CWJB, Salarzadeh Jenatabadi H, Samsudin N. Postpartum depression symptoms in survey-based research: a structural equation analysis. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:27. [PMID: 33499833 PMCID: PMC7839191 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09999-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the last decade, postpartum depression (PPD) has been recognized as a significant public health problem, and several factors have been linked to PPD. Mothers at risk are rarely undetected and underdiagnosed. Our study aims to determine the factors leading to symptoms of depression using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. In this research, we introduced a new framework for postpartum depression modeling for women. METHODS We structured the model of this research to take into consideration the Malaysian culture in particular. A total of 387 postpartum women have completed the questionnaire. The symptoms of postpartum depression were examined using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and they act as a dependent variable in this research model. RESULTS Four hundred fifty mothers were invited to participate in this research. 86% of the total distributed questionnaire received feedback. The majority of 79.6% of respondents were having depression symptoms. The highest coefficients of factor loading analysis obtained in every latent variable indicator were income (β = 0.77), screen time (β = 0.83), chips (β = 0.85), and anxiety (β = 0.88). Lifestyle, unhealthy food, and BMI variables were directly affected by the dependent variable. Based on the output, respondents with a high level of depression symptoms tended to consume more unhealthy food and had a high level of body mass indexes (BMI). The highest significant impact on depression level among postpartum women was unhealthy food consumption. Based on our model, the findings indicated that 76% of the variances stemmed from a variety of factors: socio-demographics, lifestyle, healthy food, unhealthy food, and BMI. The strength of the exogenous and endogenous variables in this research framework is strong. CONCLUSION The prevalence of postpartum women with depression symptoms in this study is considerably high. It is, therefore, imperative that postpartum women seek medical help to prevent postpartum depressive symptoms from worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hashem Salarzadeh Jenatabadi
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nadia Samsudin
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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From Childbirth to the Starting Blocks: Are We Providing the Best Care to Our Postpartum Athletes? J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020; 50:281-284. [PMID: 32476582 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2020.0607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is minimal evidence to guide return to exercise after pregnancy and childbirth, and even less information on safe return to competitive sport. The International Olympic Committee has suggested a 3-phase approach to postpartum recovery in athletes. This Viewpoint expands on that 3-phase model and incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to ensure comprehensive care of postpartum athletes to facilitate safe return to sport with optimal health and performance outcomes. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach may also open new research avenues to ameliorate the dearth of knowledge regarding musculoskeletal recovery and facilitate the development of guidelines to inform clinicians and postpartum women about safe return to exercise, particularly, high-intensity or high-impact activities. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(6):281-284. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.0607.
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