None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Exercise is known to support mental well-being during and after pregnancy as well as in times of grief. However, there is very little research on how exercise may support individuals after pregnancy loss. This study will explore the safety and feasibility of a 10-week, group-based exercise program for individuals following pregnancy loss. It compares a supervised, instructor led progressive exercise program with individualised prescription, to a standardised, in-person stretching program with no individualisation or progression. Thirty-two individuals who have recently experienced pregnancy loss will be invited to take part in a 10-week program run by an accredited exercise professional, combining physical activity with education and peer support. The aim of this research is to better understand how exercise and connection with others can help to improve emotional well-being and reduce isolation after pregnancy loss, and to address critical gaps in current research and practice.
Interventions
Participants allocated to the exercise intervention group will undertake a 10-week program consisting of one hour, in-person, small group sessions delivered weekly, with 3 to 5 participants per group. Sessions will be conducted in the gym at the Susan Wakil Health Building, The University of Sydney.
Each session will commence with a 15 minute education component delivered informally and guided by participant discussion. Topics may include the role of exercise in mood, sleep, and body neutrality
Participants allocated to the exercise intervention group will undertake a 10-week program consisting of one hour, in-person, small group sessions delivered weekly, with 3 to 5 participants per group. Sessions will be conducted in the gym at the Susan Wakil Health Building, The University of Sydney. Each session will commence with a 15 minute education component delivered informally and guided by participant discussion. Topics may include the role of exercise in mood, sleep, and body neutrality. This will be followed by a 45 minute exercise session consisting of: • 5 minute mindfulness based activity • 10 minutes of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle separation training • 30 minutes of structured exercise The structured exercise component will involve a tailored program of upper and lower body functional exercises prescribed by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Exercises will initially use body weight and may progress to resistance bands and/or external weights. Exercise selection, intensity, and progression will be individualised based on each participant's baseline physical capacity, symptom presentation, and response to exercise, as assessed by the supervising exercise professional throughout the program. Adherence will be monitored using session attendance records completed by the supervising exercise professional. Participant completion of the prescribed exercise activities, including any modifications, missed activities, or missed sessions, will also be documented throughout the intervention period.
Sponsors
The University of Sydney
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria Participants must have experienced an early pregnancy loss (miscarriage), stillbirth, or neonatal death. For participants who have experienced an early pregnancy loss (miscarriage), the loss must have occurred between two and eight weeks prior to commencing the exercise program. For participants who have experienced a stillbirth or neonatal death, the loss must have occurred between two and fourteen weeks prior to commencing the exercise program. Willingness to provide informed consent and willingness to participate and comply with the study requirements. Ability to speak and understand the English language. Over 18 years of age.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria Pain associated with perineal tears, fourth-degree tear or surgical sites during activity. The presence of an postpartum complication (abnormal postpartum bleeding, infection (wound or uterine), retained products of conception, surgical complications not yet resolved. Any contraindication to exercise, according to the Adult Pre-Exercise Screening System (APSS) screening tool (Exercise & Sport Science Australia, 2021) Unable to give informed consent. Unable to communicate sufficiently in the English language. Reference Exercise & Sports Science Australia, Fitness Australia, Sports Medicine Australia, & Exercise is Medicine. (2021). Adult pre-exercise screening system (APSS): User guide. https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/assets/pdf/Adult-Pre-Screening-Tool-2021.pdf
Outcome results
None listed