Validation of a historical physical activity recall tool: The effects of past pregnancy physical activity on current physical activity, barriers to physical activity, and body size

Physical activity (PA) is a key element of health promotion and disease prevention. Historically, PA was not universally recommended for pregnant women due to limited research and fear of unknown risks to the mother and fetus. However, recent studies have shown PA to have positive effects on a healthy pregnancy, as well as the postpartum period. Methodology for assessing PA has not been consistent among studies; therefore comparing results has been difficult. Current research has focused on an individual's ability to recall historical PA, and relate this behavior to current disease states. Using historical recall to assess past pregnancy PA could assist with determining the relationship between pregnancy and long-term weight changes.; This investigation involved a six-year follow-up of a cohort of women who participated in a previous research study (Maternal Activity Measurement and Assessment study). Fifty-six women had their PA energy expenditures quantified carefully throughout pregnancies from between 1997-1999. Thirty of these women agreed to participate in follow-up research. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the ability of women to recall their PA during three time points previously assessed during a pregnancy six years ago (20 weeks gestation, 32 weeks gestation, 12 weeks postpartum); and to examine the effects of past pregnancy PA on current body size, PA levels, and barriers to exercise. The Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) was used to assess current and past pregnancy PA. The Perceived Barriers Efficacy Questionnaire (PBEQ) was used to assess current barriers to PA and percent confidence in overcoming those barriers.; Results showed the MAQ values to be significantly related to the original physical activity recall (PAR) values at all time periods of interest. Correlations from this study are similar (r = 0.57-0.86) to those found in previous PAR and MAQ validation studies. The women's ability to recall past pregnancy PA did not differ based on current PA.; The median value for postpartum weight retention (PPWR) was 2.8 kg with a wide individual range. When separated into current PA level groups (≥ or ≤ 20 MET/wk), the more active women showed significantly lower weight, BMI and %fat, and PPWR values compared to the less active women. A significant inverse relationship was found between current PA and BMI (r = -.55) and %fat (r = -0.70). Past pregnancy PA was found to be correlated with current PA at all time points of interest [20 weeks gestation (r = 0.49), 32 weeks gestation (r = 0.71), and 12 weeks postpartum (r = 0.73)]. Further analysis showed current PA to be the proximate cause of current body size; though it is likely past pregnancy PA behaviors may influence current PA levels. The top three barriers (and their frequencies) were time (22), motivation (7), and childcare (6). Average percent confidence score for overcoming these barriers was 65.6 % (+/-24.5).; Overall, the MAQ was found to be an accurate PAR for past pregnancy PA. Sixty percent of women studied met current CDC/ACSM PA guidelines. Both recalled and current PA were shown to be related to percent confidence in overcoming barriers to PA. Future studies should use larger heterogeneous samples and include longer follow-up.