Effects Of The Sedentary Behavior Reduction Intervention In Pregnancy (SPRING) Intervention On Activity Patterns

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity reduces adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), but pregnant persons experience many barriers to being active. Reducing sedentary behavior (SB) is a novel and perhaps more achievable behavior change for improving pregnancy health. PURPOSE: To test the effect of an SB-reduction intervention on daily SB, standing, and steps in pregnancy. METHODS: The SPRING pilot and feasibility trial enrolled first trimester pregnant participants with risk factors for APOs and self-reported high SB. Participants were randomized 2:1 to a multi-component SB-reduction intervention (virtual health coaching, wearable activity monitor, height-adjustable workstation, private social media group) or to a usual care control condition. The intervention set behavioral targets of reducing SB to 9 hr/day by increasing standing to 4 hr/day and steps to 7,500/day. SB, standing, and steps were measured objectively in each trimester using a thigh-worn activPAL for 24 h x 7 days. Here, we report the effects of the intervention on SB, standing, and steps in the second trimester. Changes from the first to second trimesters were compared over time and across randomized groups after adjustment for baseline activity and waking wear time. RESULTS: Participants (N = 51: 34 intervention, 17 control) enrolled in the study with mean ± SD age = 32 ± 4 y, BMI = 28 ± 9 kg/m2, 82% White, and 84% with a college degree or greater. Valid activity data were available in n = 45 (88%). From the first to second trimesters, intervention participants significantly decreased SB and increased standing and steps (all p ≤ 0.001); there were no within-group changes among controls. Compared to controls, intervention participants meaningfully decreased SB and increased standing; the intervention effect on steps approached statistical significance (see Table). CONCLUSION: The SPRING intervention was effective for improving SB and activity patterns in the second trimester of pregnancy .