Pilot Study of the FitMoms2B Physical Activity Promotion Program Among Black Women With High-Risk Pregnancies

Abstract

Objective: To explore the feasibility of recruitment, adherence, and retention and the acceptability of the FitMoms2B physical activity promotion program and study measures among non-Hispanic Black women with high-risk pregnancies.

Design: One-arm pilot feasibility study.

Setting: A large regional high-risk prenatal clinic in the southeastern United States.

Participants: Non-Hispanic Black women who had singleton, high-risk pregnancies at 16 to 23 weeks gestation with no contraindications to physical activity (N = 13).

Method: We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a multicomponent intervention, which included physical activity coaching, support from a workout partner, and an activity tracker. We also assessed the feasibility of study measures for future trials of the program.

Results: Of 179 patients screened, 20 were eligible, and 13 consented and enrolled (65%). Of the 13 participants, 9 completed data collection at Time Point (T) 1 (16-23 weeks gestation) and T2 (24-30 weeks), and 8 completed data collection at T3 (31 or more weeks). Adherence met expectations for coaching (63%), exercise with a workout partner (100%), and use of the activity tracker (92%). Acceptability was high (100%).

Conclusion: We found that recruitment, retention, and adherence are feasible for the FitMoms2B physical activity promotion program. The program and study measures were acceptable to participants in our sample. We provide preliminary support for a randomized controlled trial to study physical activity promotion with virtual coaching, workout partner support, and activity tracking among Black pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies without contraindications to physical activity.

Keywords: Black or African American; coaching; exercise; high-risk pregnancy; physical activity; pregnant.