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  • Navigating the ‘new normal’: what guidelines exist for postpartum return to physical activity and sport? A scoping review

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Navigating the ‘new normal’: what guidelines exist for postpartum return to physical activity and sport? A scoping review
  1. Jenna M Schulz1,2,3,
  2. Hana Marmura2,3,4,
  3. Chloe M Hewitt5,
  4. Laura J Parkinson6,
  5. Jane S Thornton2,3,7
  1. 1 Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
  2. 2 Fowler-Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
  3. 3 Bone & Joint Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
  4. 4 Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
  5. 5 Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
  6. 6 Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
  7. 7 Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
  1. Correspondence to Dr Jenna M Schulz, Family Medicine, Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Canada; jschulz2{at}uwo.ca

Abstract

Objective Women are often advised to return to activity (RTA) as early as 6 weeks postpartum, despite undergoing significant physical, physiological and psychological changes. Our objective was to examine existing evidence and clinical practice guidelines to navigate a safe and successful RTA or return to sport (RTS) postpartum.

Methods We searched CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus and included any secondary studies with recommendations or guidelines for RTA or RTS postpartum. Grey literature and primary sources were excluded. Four reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review for eligibility, with conflicts resolved by a third-party reviewer. One reviewer extracted data, which was cross-referenced by another reviewer.

Results 5851 studies were screened, and 33 were included in this scoping review. Most studies stated that RTS postpartum can begin once ‘medically safe’, around 6 weeks postpartum, but this term was generally left undefined. In addition, most studies recommended engaging in 150 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week after 6 weeks postpartum, but the type of exercise recommended was often non-specific.

Conclusion A lack of consistent, evidence-based guidelines exist for RTA or RTS postpartum. Multiple evidence gaps require additional research to inform patient and activity specific guidelines for a safe and successful RTA or RTS postpartum.

  • Female
  • Women in sport
  • Sports medicine
  • Physical activity
  • Pregnancy

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107166

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    Footnotes

    • Twitter @jennaschulz_1, @HanaMarmura, @janesthornton

    • Contributors JMS conceptualised the project, synthesised the data and drafted the manuscript. JST contributed to conception and design and critical revision of the article. HM, CMH and LJP contributed to data collection and synthesis. All authors edited and approved the final version of the manuscript.

    • Funding JMS is supported by the Ontario Women's Health Scholar Postdoctoral Award. JMS and HM are also supported by a Western’s Bone & Joint Institute Collaborative Training in Musculoskeletal Heath Program Trainee Award. HM is supported by a CIHR PhD Award. JST holds a Canada Research Chair in Injury Prevention and Physical Activity for Health.

    • Competing interests JST is an editor of BJSM.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

    • Supplemental material This content has been supplied by the author(s). It has not been vetted by BMJ Publishing Group Limited (BMJ) and may not have been peer-reviewed. Any opinions or recommendations discussed are solely those of the author(s) and are not endorsed by BMJ. BMJ disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the content. Where the content includes any translated material, BMJ does not warrant the accuracy and reliability of the translations (including but not limited to local regulations, clinical guidelines, terminology, drug names and drug dosages), and is not responsible for any error and/or omissions arising from translation and adaptation or otherwise.