Clinical and exercise professional opinion on designing a postpartum return-to-running training programme: an international Delphi study and consensus statement.

DEERING, Rita E, DONNELLY, Gráinne M, BROCKWELL, Emma, BO, Kari, DAVENPORT, Margie H, DE VIVO, Marlize, DUFOUR, Sinead, FORNER, Lori, MILLS, Hayley, MOORE, Isabel S, OLSON, Amanda and CHRISTOPHER, Shefali Mathur (2024). Clinical and exercise professional opinion on designing a postpartum return-to-running training programme: an international Delphi study and consensus statement. British journal of sports medicine.

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Abstract

Returning to running postpartum presents challenges such as musculoskeletal pain and pelvic floor dysfunction for some females, but there is little guidance on developing and progressing postpartum training programmes. This study aims to establish expert consensus recommendations on designing and modifying a postpartum return-to-running training programme, highlight costs and access to qualified professionals as potential barriers and discuss clinical, research and sports policy implications.A three-round Delphi survey of clinical and exercise professionals working with postpartum runners was conducted. Round I consisted of open-ended questions related to designing the training plan, modifications based on biopsychosocial factors, key muscle groups to train and referral and payment sources. Rounds II and III involved Likert-scale voting to identify consensus (≥75% agreement).118 participants completed Round I, 107 completed Round II (response rate 90.6%) and 95 completed Round III (response rate 80.5%). Consensus was reached in 42/47 (89%) statements, including recommendations for a period of relative rest, gradual increases in duration and intensity, starting with a walk-run protocol and incorporating strength training. Training should be modified based on musculoskeletal or pelvic symptoms, sleep, mental health, lactation or energy availability concerns. Cost and access to experienced postpartum running professionals were identified as potential barriers for runners to receive care.Consensus recommendations for a postpartum return-to-running programme include an individualised exercise prescription, gradual increases in physical activity, walk-run protocols and targeted muscle strengthening. Further research and improved access to clinical and exercise professionals are needed to inform and facilitate best practices.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Consensus; Female; Pelvic floor; Running; Women in sport; 09 Engineering; 11 Medical and Health Sciences; 13 Education; Sport Sciences; 3202 Clinical sciences; 4207 Sports science and exercise; 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107490
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Elements
Depositing User:	Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited:	16 Jan 2024 16:18
Last Modified:	16 Jan 2024 16:30
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/33020

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