Assessment of the physical activity behavior and beliefs of infertile women during assisted reproductive technology treatment
Received 16 July 2009; received in revised form 24 August 2009; accepted 16 October 2009. published online 09 November 2009.
Abstract
Objectives
To understand the physical activity beliefs of infertile women, and their physical activity behavior before and during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment.
Methods
Infertile women undergoing ART treatment completed a survey assessing their physical activity beliefs. In addition, the physical activity behavior of the participants was assessed via the Godin Leisure–Time Exercise Questionnaire.
Results
The participants were significantly less physically active during the treatment period, with 80.1% reporting that they believed there would be a negative effect on the outcome of their treatment if they did not limit their physical activity.
Conclusion
The present study showed that women's physical activity may decline during ART treatment because of the misconception that pursuing their pre-treatment physical activity routine would decrease their chance of conceiving.
ABSTRACT