Pregnant And Postpartum Runners, Are We Confident In Treating Them?

Seventy percent of runners who become pregnant continue running during pregnancy and after delivery. Mothers often report resuming running between 2 and 8 weeks postpartum. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify confidence in, techniques, and conditions Physical Therapists (PT) are addressing when treating pregnant and postpartum runners. METHODS: Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the researchers surveyed and collected responses through convenience sampling by advertising to PTs who treat runners through social media, email, word of mouth, and the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy. Using a Likert scale (0-never, 1-rarely, 2-sometimes, 3-often, 4-always) for frequency-related questions, data was compiled and analyzed for trends. Researchers used imputation with a zero/constant value for missing data and analyzed findings with SPSS to provide statistical descriptions. RESULTS: 61 responding PTs treating runners, and 43% reported treating pregnant and postpartum runners. Despite 80% having advanced credentialing (OCS, SCS, CSCS, and/or FAAOMPT), 59% reported not feeling adequately prepared to treat pregnant and postpartum runners. Pregnant or postpartum runners most frequently report concerns with hip/pelvic pain, lumbar spine pain, lack of sleep, pelvic floor pain, knee pain, hypermobility, and urinary or fecal incontinence. Lack of breastmilk supply, rectal pain, or ongoing/ increased blood loss were rarely reported. 45% of respondents reported that pregnant and postpartum clients consult a pelvic health PT less than 25% of the time for examination prior to considering returning to run after pregnancy. In responding PTs who care for pregnant and postpartum runners, load impact management (M = 3.22, SD = 1.38), muscle performance (M = 3.13, SD = 1.33), and pelvic floor muscle examination (M = 2.71, SD = 1.24) were most frequently reported when assessing readiness to return to running after pregnancy. Meanwhile, PTs rarely assess milk supply (M = 0.71, SD = 0.91) and blood loss (M = 0.73, SD = 1.03). CONCLUSION: PTs should seek training to address the specific needs of pregnant and postpartum runners or refer them to a pelvic health provider.