 |
|
Guidelines urge physical activity during pregnancy
October 09, 2008MSU researcher helps government adopt first-ever exercise guidelines
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Moderate physical activity during pregnancy does not contribute to low birth weight, premature birth or miscarriage and may actually reduce the risk of complications, according to a Michigan State University professor who contributed to the U.S. government's first-ever guidelines on physical activity.
Kinesiology professor James Pivarnik and doctoral students Lanay Mudd and Erin Kuffel wrote the section on pregnancy and postpartum activity as part of the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines unveiled Oct. 7 in Washington, D.C., by the Department of Health and Human Services. Pivarnik, president-elect of the American College of Sports Medicine, attended the event and spoke on behalf of the organization and MSU.
"There has been quite a dramatic change in regards to pregnancy and exercise," said Pivarnik, who has studied the topic for more than 20 years. "While it used to be thought that avoiding exercise meant avoiding harm to the fetus, research now shows physical activity can not only improve health of the mother but also provide potential long-term benefits for the child."
Specifically, the guidelines call for women to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy and the postpartum period, preferably spread throughout the week. In addition to health benefits, moderate physical activity also may reduce the length of labor, evidence suggests. The guidelines call for women to avoid doing activities that involve lying on their back after the first trimester and activities with high risk of falling or abdominal trauma.
During the postpartum period, regular physical activity continues to benefit a woman's overall health, according to Pivarnik's research, by increasing her cardiorespiratory fitness and improving her mood. Physical activity after pregnancy also helps women achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and when combined with appropriate caloric restriction, promotes weight loss.
"In the time I have been performing research on exercise during pregnancy, we have shifted from cautious conservatism to the current guidelines, which encourage women to be active throughout gestation," Pivarnik said.
Also as part of the new guidelines, the government recommends 150 minutes of activity for adults per week. The move toward measuring recommended exercise by overall minutes as opposed to specific time and frequency requirements mirrors research recently published by Mudd, Pivarnik, Mathew Reeves from MSU's Department of Epidemiology, and Ann Rafferty from the Michigan Department of Community Health.
That study, published this month in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, used a broader approach toward calculating compliance with exercise requirements and found when measured by the amount of energy expended, the number of respondents who met guidelines was significantly higher.
"We found that by following the letter of the law many people who may be getting enough physical activity were not being counted," Mudd said. "But we still have a majority of people who are inactive or are not active enough.
"The new guidelines can help shape people's behaviors and get them on the right track to being healthy," she added. "They allow individuals more flexibility in how and when to perform their activities."
Michigan State University
"There has been quite a dramatic change in regards to pregnancy and exercise," said Pivarnik, who has studied the topic for more than 20 years. "While it used to be thought that avoiding exercise meant avoiding harm to the fetus, research now shows physical activity can not only improve health of the mother but also provide potential long-term benefits for the child."
Specifically, the guidelines call for women to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week during pregnancy and the postpartum period, preferably spread throughout the week. In addition to health benefits, moderate physical activity also may reduce the length of labor, evidence suggests. The guidelines call for women to avoid doing activities that involve lying on their back after the first trimester and activities with high risk of falling or abdominal trauma.
During the postpartum period, regular physical activity continues to benefit a woman's overall health, according to Pivarnik's research, by increasing her cardiorespiratory fitness and improving her mood. Physical activity after pregnancy also helps women achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and when combined with appropriate caloric restriction, promotes weight loss.
"In the time I have been performing research on exercise during pregnancy, we have shifted from cautious conservatism to the current guidelines, which encourage women to be active throughout gestation," Pivarnik said.
Also as part of the new guidelines, the government recommends 150 minutes of activity for adults per week. The move toward measuring recommended exercise by overall minutes as opposed to specific time and frequency requirements mirrors research recently published by Mudd, Pivarnik, Mathew Reeves from MSU's Department of Epidemiology, and Ann Rafferty from the Michigan Department of Community Health.
That study, published this month in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, used a broader approach toward calculating compliance with exercise requirements and found when measured by the amount of energy expended, the number of respondents who met guidelines was significantly higher.
"We found that by following the letter of the law many people who may be getting enough physical activity were not being counted," Mudd said. "But we still have a majority of people who are inactive or are not active enough.
"The new guidelines can help shape people's behaviors and get them on the right track to being healthy," she added. "They allow individuals more flexibility in how and when to perform their activities."
Michigan State University
Physical Activity Current Events and Physical Activity News RSSPlaying sport up to the end of pregnancy is healthy for the baby and the mother
Contrary to more conservative customs, exercising up to the end of pregnancy has no harmful effect on the weight or size of the foetus.
Texas Children's discharges first pediatric patient with implanted mechanical heart device
Texas Children's Hospital is the nation's first pediatric hospital to discharge a child while on an intracorporeal ventricular assist device (VAD), a feat previously accomplished only at adult institutions.
Reduced muscle strength associated with risk for Alzheimer's
Individuals with weaker muscles appear to have a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and declines in cognitive function over time, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Indiana U. at APHA: Studies about health education for people with ID, stability balls at work
An Indiana University study involving adults with intellectual disabilities found that the adults increased their personal health knowledge after taking a semi-weekly class for four weeks.
Physical education key to improving health in low-income adolescents
School-based physical education plays a key role in curbing obesity and improving fitness among adolescents from low-income communities, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and UC Berkeley.
Energy gap useful tool for successful weight loss maintenance strategy
Americans continue to get heavier. Most weight control methods short of bariatric surgery are generally considered ineffective in preventing obesity or reducing weight.
Health-centered weight control method shows promise
Most weight-control strategies emphasize energy-restricted diets and increased physical activity - and most are not effective over the long term.
Weight Training Boosts Breast Cancer Survivors' Body Image and Satisfaction with Intimate Relationships, Penn Study Shows
In addition to building muscle, weightlifting is also a prescription for self-esteem among breast cancer survivors, according to new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine research.
Study finds link between childhood physical abuse and arthritis
Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 per cent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study by University of Toronto researchers.
Decrease in physical activity may not be a factor in increased obesity rates among adolescents
Decreased physical activity may have little to do with the recent spike in obesity rates among U.S. adolescents, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
More Physical Activity Current Events and Physical Activity News Articles
 |
Physical Activity and Health by Claude Bouchard (Author), Steven N. Blair (Author), William Haskell (Author) Sedentary habits have been identified as a major public health problem in many countries. The timely Physical Activity and Health addresses an unmet need by providing a comprehensive treatment of the relationship between physical activity and health outcomes. Physical Activity and Health is the first textbook to bring together the results of the most important studies in this rapidly changing field and offers a detailed yet concise and clear presentation of key concepts. The text provides a conceptual framework to help readers relate results from single studies or collections of studies to the overall paradigm linking physical activity and physical fitness to health. Written by Claude Bouchard and other leading scientists from around the world, this richly illustrated... |
 |
Physical Activity Pyramid (Exercise Chart) Art Poster Print - 24" X 36" by Poster Revolution This poster says at the top "Pysical Activity Pyramid". It shows various types of activities with examples and pictures, along with the frequency during the week. These include: Sedentary, Leisure activities, Stretch and Strengthen, Recreational sports, Aerobic exercise, and Light Activities. |
 |
Ready-To-Use P. E. Activities for Grades K-2 (Ready-To-Use Physical Education Activities) by Joanne M. Landy (Author), Maxwell J. Landy (Author) A complete, sequential curriculum for grades K-9 boys and girls, More than 1,600 activities to improve physical fitness, promote sportsmanship, develop social skills, and build self-esteem. This volume covers K-2. |
 |
Great Activities for Physical Education: Grades K-2 Starring: Artie Kamiya Directed By: Bill Richardason In this unique program, Artie Kamiya presents several fun physical education activities that promote student fitness and skill development. The DVD provides numerous developmentally appropriate activities for students in Grades K-2. Teachers will be able to save invaluable planning and preparation time. Games and activities included are: Walking through the Jungle, Let s Go Hunting, I See, The Egg Game, Ninja Turtle Tag, Seals and Sharks, The Birdie Dance and Birdie Dance Tag, The Seven Jumps Dance, Cranes and Crows, Odds and Evens, Jellybean Tag, Octopus Tag, Fish Gobbler and People to People. All of these activities can be easily implemented into any curriculum. |
 |
Sandwich Bag Science: 25 Easy, Hands-on Activities That Teach Key Concepts in Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences-and Meet the Science Standards by Steve Tomecek (Author) Find out how an empty sandwich bag can be jam-packed with science in this collection of learning-rich, hands-on activities. Students discover the force of atmospheric pressure, investigate physical and chemical changes in matter, test germination rates of seeds, and so much more. A fun and easy way to meet the National Science Education Standards! For use with Grades 4–8. |
 |
Introduction to Kinesiology: Studying Physical Activity - 2nd Ed (Hardcover Book) by Human Kinectics Introduction to Kinesiology, Second Edition, provides a comprehensive, reader-friendly overview of kinesiology, laying a solid foundation for future learning and for working as a professional in any field relating to physical activity. This new edition is significantly updated and revamped, featuring these additions: Expanded information and advice on careers relating to the field of kinesiology, including short- and long-term employment opportunities, allowing students to benefit from an inclusive and accurate job outlook early in their college careers New schematics and visual effects to help students better understand the content, including more relevant photos to illustrate text points and new artwork to help clarify important conceptual connections New... |
 |
Physical Best Activity Guide:Elementary Level - 2nd Edition (Paperback Book with CD) by Human Kinectics Includes CD-ROM! Through the new Physical Best Activity Guide: Elementary Level, Second Edition, teachers can do the following: - Implement ready-to-use activities based on the latest national guidelines from NASPE - Provide appropriate activities for students of all abilities - Save time and program funds by using reproducibles from the CD-ROM This revised activity guide provides a comprehensive collection of health-related physical fitness activitiesmore than 50that cover aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition. The new edition offers exciting, teacher-tested activities to help rejuvenate existing programs or develop new programs that encourage lifelong participation in health-related physical activity. |
 |
Yookidoo Discovery Playhouse by International Playthings Watch your baby thrill to this adorable playhouse.Offers hours of stimulating funDoubles as a quiet hideawayRoomy enough for multiple childrenActivities on both the inside and outsideIncludes ball play, shape sorting and peek-a-boo gamesEngages the senses with color, light and soundEncourages rewarding, imaginative play and physical developmentFabric construction is sturdy yet lightweight Stable, folding frame for easy storage and portabilityAssembles easilyThere's so much to learn, enjoy and share with this colorful playhouse. |
|
Have Fun and Be Active Physical Activity Video | |
 |
Measuring Physical Activity in Youth - DVD by Healthy Learning Measuring Physical Activity in Youth - DVD No matter what type of research an individual is doing, accurate measurement is essential. On the other hand, studying children and adolescents involves special measurement challenges. In Measuring Physical Activity in Youth, a leading researcher of children s physical activity shares information, insights, and ideas about what works and what does not. This comprehensive review emphasizes the newest technologies and provides practical guidance for strategies that work. Among the topics covered: pros and cons of self-reports, at what age are self-reports useful?, heart-rate monitoring, using accelerometers, interpreting accelerometer results, and research challenges. Produced in cooperation with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |