Intervention for physical activity in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy obesity or overweight based on the Fogg Behavior Model.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impact of a physical activity intervention based on the Fogg Behavior Model on weight, gestational physical activity, self-efficacy for physical activity, and physical activity knowledge in pregnant women with pre-pregnancy obesity or overweight.

Methods: A total of 132 pregnant women with pre-pregnancy obesity or overweight were divided into a control group and an intervention group, with 66 participants in each group. The control group received routine prenatal care, while the intervention group, based on the control group's regimen, received an intervention guided by the Fogg Behavior Model, focusing on the three key elements of motivation, ability, and prompts, until 36⁺⁶ weeks of gestation. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations were conducted for both groups, assessing maternal weight, gestational physical activity, self-efficacy for physical activity, and physical activity knowledge.

Results: A total of 70 participants in the control group and 62 participants in the intervention group completed the intervention. After the intervention, the intervention group exhibited less weight gain in both the mid and late stages of pregnancy compared to the control group. The intervention group also had higher physical activity scores in both the mid and late stages of pregnancy. Additionally, self-efficacy for physical activity was higher in the intervention group during the mid-pregnancy period, and physical activity knowledge scores were higher in the intervention group during the late pregnancy period compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Physical activity based on the Fogg Behavior Model is effective in reducing gestational weight gain and increasing physical activity during pregnancy.