ACSM Session, May, 27, 14.15-15.45:

„What to do when female recreational and elite athletes want to exceed current recommendations on exercise during pregnancy and postpartum?”

Chair: Michelle F. Mottola FACSM, University of Western Ontario, London Canada

Speakers:

Anna Szumilewicz – Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk Poland

Lene Haakstad – Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo Norway

Margie Davenport– FACSM, University of Alberta, Edmonton Canada

Kari Bø – Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo Norway

Session decription:

International guidelines for exercise during pregnancy suggest 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity at least 3 times per week, yet some pregnant recreational and elite athletes are willing to exercise more and with higher intensity. In such situations physicians and their patients do not know the do’s and don’ts of exercise as physicians are unsure of the specifics of prescription and pregnant athletes are afraid of exercising too hard. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has become popular lately with higher intensity for shorter durations. We present the latest information regarding HIIT for pregnant recreational athletes and higher intensity exercise endurance training during pregnancy. We will also present the latest guidelines and precautions for the postpartum athletes who wishes to start an exercise program or the postpartum athlete who wishes to return to sport. Finally, we present musculoskeletal concerns that may develop during pregnancy and post-delivery. 

By the end of this session learners should understand the do’s and don’ts regarding higher intensity activity and how to prevent musculoskeletal conditions during pregnancy and postpartum based on the latest evidence.

The physicians and exercise professionals should feel more confident in giving recommendations to the pregnant and postpartum athletes regarding physical activity of higher intensity.

These initiatives are co-financed by the Minister of Science under the ‘Regional Excellence Initiative’ programme, Poland (within the “NEPPE – global promotion” project, PI: Anna Szumilewicz) 

and by national funds through FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., Portugal (within the project Active Pregnancy [2023.14896.PEX], PI: Rita Santos Rocha).