Exercise Patterns and Factors Affecting Exercise Duration in Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the exercise patterns and the factors affecting exercise duration in pregnant women. METHODS: The survey was conducted to assess walking and exercise duration in 146 pregnant participants, who live in Gyeongsang area. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and regression using the SPSS Win 23.0 program. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 31 years, and more than 87% of them were primigravida. The differences in the mean walking duration, the daily exercise duration, and the exercise days of participants before and during pregnancy were not statistically significant, but the exercise duration during pregnancy was decreased compared to that before pregnancy. The factors affecting weekly exercise duration were diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus, concern about weight gain during pregnancy, and monthly income. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that development of an educational program to teach proper exercise practices during pregnancy is recommended.