Supportive Movement: Tackling Barriers to Physical Activity for Pregnant and Parenting Individuals who have Experienced Trauma

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand physical activity experiences of pregnant and/or parenting individuals (PPI) who have histories of trauma. Utilizing feminist participatory action research, we conducted five focus groups (n = 37) with PPI and semi-structured interviews (n = 10) with service providers. Three themes were generated: (1) poverty and impoverished neighbourhoods limit availability of/ access to physical activity programs; (2) existing physical activity programs are not appropriate/appealing to PPI in this community; and (3) PPI live with multiple fears and judgment that impedes their physical activity. To adequately tackle health inequities, we propose a shift towards trauma- and violence-informed physical activity programming.