Supportive Movement: Tackling Barriers to Physical Activity for Pregnant and Parenting Individuals who have Experienced Trauma
Francine Darroch, Colleen Varcoe, Heather Hillsburg, Cleo Neville, Jessica M. Webb, Candace Roberts
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.