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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Deering RE, Donnelly GM, Brockwell E, Bo K, Davenport MH, De Vivo M, Dufour S, Forner L, Mills H, Moore IS, Olson A, Christopher SM. Clinical and exercise professional opinion on designing a postpartum return-to-running training programme: an international Delphi study and consensus statement. Br J Sports Med 2024; 58:183-195. [PMID: 38191239 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Returning to running postpartum presents challenges such as musculoskeletal pain and pelvic floor dysfunction for some females, but there is little guidance on developing and progressing postpartum training programmes. This study aims to establish expert consensus recommendations on designing and modifying a postpartum return-to-running training programme, highlight costs and access to qualified professionals as potential barriers and discuss clinical, research and sports policy implications.A three-round Delphi survey of clinical and exercise professionals working with postpartum runners was conducted. Round I consisted of open-ended questions related to designing the training plan, modifications based on biopsychosocial factors, key muscle groups to train and referral and payment sources. Rounds II and III involved Likert-scale voting to identify consensus (≥75% agreement).118 participants completed Round I, 107 completed Round II (response rate 90.6%) and 95 completed Round III (response rate 80.5%). Consensus was reached in 42/47 (89%) statements, including recommendations for a period of relative rest, gradual increases in duration and intensity, starting with a walk-run protocol and incorporating strength training. Training should be modified based on musculoskeletal or pelvic symptoms, sleep, mental health, lactation or energy availability concerns. Cost and access to experienced postpartum running professionals were identified as potential barriers for runners to receive care.Consensus recommendations for a postpartum return-to-running programme include an individualised exercise prescription, gradual increases in physical activity, walk-run protocols and targeted muscle strengthening. Further research and improved access to clinical and exercise professionals are needed to inform and facilitate best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita E Deering
- Department of Physical Therapy, Carroll University, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Gráinne M Donnelly
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Kari Bo
- Department of Sport Medicine, Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 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
- The Active Pregnancy Foundation, England, UK
- Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
- Perinatal Physical Activity Research Group, School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Section of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Sinead Dufour
- McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, southeastern Ontario, Canada
| | - Lori Forner
- 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, Kent, UK
| | - Isabel S Moore
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Shefali Mathur Christopher
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Tufts University, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Elon University, Elon, North Carolina, USA
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Zhou Y, Guo X, Mu J, Liu J, Yang H, Cai C. Current Research Trends, Hotspots, and Frontiers of Physical Activity during Pregnancy: A Bibliometric Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14516. [PMID: 36361397 PMCID: PMC9654998 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy has been proven beneficial to pregnant women, with a significant effect on ameliorating many severe gestational complications. This work aimed to reveal current research trends, hotspots, and future frontiers in PA during pregnancy. METHODS Software CiteSpace was used to perform a bibliometric analysis with 1415 publications in the Web of Science Core Collection. RESULTS the number of published papers on PA during pregnancy has increased gradually by year. The United States has made the most significant contribution to the research on this topic, ranking first in the world in both the number and centrality of research. A total of 54 articles (3.8%) were published in 2022. A majority of publications were research articles (n = 1176, 78.9%). The authors and institutions of the research published have more inter-country collaborations. Different patterns of PA, prevention, and amelioration of pregnancy complications are major research hotspots. Improvement of sedentary behaviour, lifestyle intervention through leisure-time PA, and preterm care are major research frontiers and have received extensive attention in recent years. CONCLUSIONS The current scientometric study presents an overview of PA during pregnancy research conducted throughout the preceding decades. The conclusions of this work might serve as a reference for researchers who are interested in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbing Zhou
- School of Art, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Sport Science School, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jinhao Mu
- Sport Science School, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jingying Liu
- Sport Science School, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hongying Yang
- Library of Beijing Sport University, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chenxi Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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