A nationwide assessment of physical activity in Polish women during their reproductive years and during pregnancy

In Poland, physical activity amongst women during the reproductive years is considered to be inadequate for ensuring good physical health compared to generally accepted standards used worldwide. Furthermore, during pregnancies Polish women have a tendency to reduce their physical activity to the barest minimum. This study uses a shortened version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess actual levels of women's physical activity throughout their reproductive years so that preventative action can be designed properly. A randomised group of n=4000 women of reproductive age were studied where significant lacks of physical activity were confirmed. A group of post-partum women, (n=3000) together with their newborns were also studied representative of all obstetric hospital departments throughout the country. The survey questionnaires for measuring physical activity levels according to the standard metabolically equivalent (MET) were performed on a single day during the third week of November 2011. There were decidedly low physical activity levels seen in pregnant women compared to those before becoming pregnant. However women living in rural areas and those giving birth the second and subsequent times showed higher degrees of physical activity. Appropriate interventions can therefore now be targeted through remedial action in Poland.