Study on Reducing Sitting Time and Increasing Physical Activity in Pregnant Women Using Coaching and Fitbit

What this Trial Is About

Pregnant women tend to be more sedentary than non-pregnant women, spending over 12 waking hours sitting or lying down daily compared to less than 8 hours for others. This sedentary behavior is linked to issues such as psychological distress, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, poor sleep, and having very large infants. Increasing physical activity during pregnancy is important because it may improve mental health, reduce risks of high blood pressure, and lower chances of preterm birth. This study evaluates a behavioral intervention called Sit Less, Move More SLMM designed to reduce sedentary behavior and promote physical activity in pregnant women. Sixty women with a single pregnancy between 8 and 12 weeks gestation will participate. The intervention includes health coaching sessions, weekly text messages, use of a Fitbit activity tracker, prompts to disrupt sedentary periods after 50 minutes, and encouragement to exercise with a partner at least four days per week. Participants complete questionnaires and wear activity trackers at different pregnancy stages. Participants will wear an ActiGraph device for two weeks at the start and then a Fitbit from week 3 until 32 weeks gestation to monitor activity and sedentary time. Questionnaires about physical activity and sedentary habits are completed at early, mid, and later pregnancy stages. The study will assess recruitment feasibility, retention, adherence, and participant acceptance, and measure changes in moderate-intensity physical activity and sedentary behavior over time, contributing to improved strategies for maternal health and birth outcomes.

Effectiveness of Interventions to Promote Physical Activity During Pregnancy