A Digital Intervention (Bumptup®) For Increasing Physical Activity Levels During And After Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION: In a timely effort to combat maternal morbidity and mortality, interventions designed to increase physical activity levels during and after pregnancy are needed. A previous pilot study by our group demonstrated promise for the BumptUp® mobile application for helping pregnant and postpartum women increase confidence towards physical activity as well as change physical activity-related behaviors. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to determine whether a digital intervention (BumptUp® app) can improve physical activity behaviors during and after pregnancy in a larger clinical trial (projected N = 178). METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial is ongoing (n = 65) with women either receiving access to the mhealth app (BumptUp®) or an evidence-based educational brochure. Physical activity (among other) data are being collected during each trimester as well as at 12-weeks postpartum via accelerometry. RESULTS: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels appear to be higher among intervention participants from early pregnancy to late pregnancy (baseline: Intervention- 1325.5 min vs. Control- 1365.3 min versus 35-37 weeks gestation: Intervention- 1484.1 min vs. Control- 1352.9 min); however, more participants are needed to draw CONCLUSIONS. CONCLUSION: Clinical trial data is favorable in demonstrating BumptUp® can positively influence physical activity related behaviors; however, more data is needed (and data collection is ongoing). Supported by: NIH NICHD SBIR Phase I: 1R43HD115442-01 and KY INBRE (P20GM103436)