Clinical and exercise professional opinion on designing a postpartum return-to-running training programme: an international Delphi study and consensus statement.
Journal article
Deering, R., Donnelly, Gráinne M, Brockwell, Emma, Bo, K., Davenport, M., DeVivo, M., Dufour, Sinead, Forner, L., Mills, H., Moore, I., Olson, Amanda and Christopher, Shefali Mathur 2024. Clinical and exercise professional opinion on designing a postpartum return-to-running training programme: an international Delphi study and consensus statement. British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107490
Authors | Deering, R., Donnelly, Gráinne M, Brockwell, Emma, Bo, K., Davenport, M., DeVivo, M., Dufour, Sinead, Forner, L., Mills, H., Moore, I., Olson, Amanda and Christopher, Shefali Mathur |
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Abstract | Returning to running postpartum presents challenges such as musculoskeletal pain and pelvic floor dysfunction for some females, but there is little guidance on developing and progressing postpartum training programmes. This study aims to establish expert consensus recommendations on designing and modifying a postpartum return-to-running training programme, highlight costs and access to qualified professionals as potential barriers and discuss clinical, research and sports policy implications.A three-round Delphi survey of clinical and exercise professionals working with postpartum runners was conducted. Round I consisted of open-ended questions related to designing the training plan, modifications based on biopsychosocial factors, key muscle groups to train and referral and payment sources. Rounds II and III involved Likert-scale voting to identify consensus (≥75% agreement).118 participants completed Round I, 107 completed Round II (response rate 90.6%) and 95 completed Round III (response rate 80.5%). Consensus was reached in 42/47 (89%) statements, including recommendations for a period of relative rest, gradual increases in duration and intensity, starting with a walk-run protocol and incorporating strength training. Training should be modified based on musculoskeletal or pelvic symptoms, sleep, mental health, lactation or energy availability concerns. Cost and access to experienced postpartum running professionals were identified as potential barriers for runners to receive care.Consensus recommendations for a postpartum return-to-running programme include an individualised exercise prescription, gradual increases in physical activity, walk-run protocols and targeted muscle strengthening. Further research and improved access to clinical and exercise professionals are needed to inform and facilitate best practices. [Abstract copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.] |
Keywords | Running; Female; Pelvic floor; Consensus; Women in sport |
Year | 2024 |
Journal | British Journal of Sports Medicine |
Publisher | BMJ Publishing Group |
ISSN | 1473-0480 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107490 |
https://doi.org/bjsports-2023-107490 | |
Official URL | https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2024/01/08/bjsports-2023-107490.info |
Publication dates | |
Online | 08 Jan 2024 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 11 Jan 2024 |
Accepted | 12 Dec 2023 |
Accepted author manuscript | License |
Output status | Published |
Additional information | Publications router: Date 2023-12-12 of type 'accepted_date' included in notification. |
Page range | bjsports-2023-107490 |
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Accepted author manuscript
Designing-the-Return-to-Run-Program-REVISION-3-clean copy.pdf | ||
License: CC BY-NC 4.0 |
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