EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AFTER 2 MONTHS OF DISCHARGE, AMONG POSTPARTUM WOMEN WITH PRIOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELITIS- AN ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Aim The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the level of physical activity amongst postpartum women after 2 months of discharge, who were earlier suffering from gestational diabetes. Methodology This descriptive cross-sectional component of a large quasi-experimental study was conducted in 100 postpartum mothers. Anthropometric and glycemic parameters were assessed at 2 months postpartum. Pre-tested International PA Questionnaire (short-version) was used to assess PA. The PA level and intensity were calculated in metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (METminutes/ week). Data were analyzed by SPSS 21 version. Both continuous and categorical data were analyzed. Results Mean HbA1c value was 6.64 +/- 1.95. Median truncated PA was 3250 MET-minutes/week. The main contributors to energy expenditure in the study sample were moderate intensity household activities and walking with 58% of mothers walking more than 150 min/week. Although in the categorical analysis, 52% of mothers reported high level of PA, only 10% participated in at least one vigorous intensity activity continuously for more than 10 min to achieve reduced metabolic risks. Average sitting time of mothers was about 3 h/day which is in par with the breast-feeding recommendation. None of the PA MET values significantly correlated with the glycemic parameter, HbA1c. Conclusion Although it appears that majority of mothers are physically active, these activities are not optimum in terms of reducing the metabolic risk. We suggest designing exercise protocols incorporating day-to-day moderate intensity activities and walking in a structured and scientific manner to achieve maximum benefits for this special group of women.