Exploring provision and impact of physical activity and guidance for women undergoing fertility treatment: a mixed methods approach

Research indicates a relationship between physical activity and fertility treatment outcomes; suggesting moderate-intensity physical activity can significantly improve fertility treatment outcomes whereas high intensity and frequency of activity can be detrimental. However, there are currently no physical activity guidelines available for this population group.

The overarching aim of this research project was to explore physical activity advice and guidance offered to women throughout their fertility treatment cycle(s) and to investigate the impact thereof.

A mixed methods multiphase approach was implemented, comprising four studies. Study 1 (qualitative) and 2 (quantitative) explored healthcare professionals’ perceived capability, opportunity, and motivation to offer physical activity advice and guidance during fertility treatment. Study 3 (quantitative) and 4 (qualitative) focussed on women’s perspectives and the explored impact on physical activity behaviour.

Meta-inferences generated from these studies reveal the inconsistencies and lack of routine practice regarding physical activity advice and guidance offered to women undergoing fertility treatment. Physical activity advice and guidance is often patient initiated, with highly active women seeking more specific information. Despite some healthcare professionals acknowledging the importance of physical activity, the absence of specific training and lack of guidance available has resulted in varied information offered that is often contradictory, brief, and/or precautionary. A statistically significant relationship was observed (H(2)=6.2, p=0.04), suggesting women who received physical activity advice and guidance reduced their physical activity levels significantly more than those who did not. Integrated data supports this finding as women were often advised to reduce or refrain from physical activity at certain points throughout their fertility treatment cycle.

This research provides novel insight into the physical activity advice and guidance offered to women undergoing fertility treatment. Future recommendations should focus on developing and disseminating guidance to better equip healthcare professionals with evidence-based messaging to empower women to make informed decisions about their physical activity behaviour.