학술논문
Filling the evidence void: exploration of coach and healthcare provider experiences working with pregnant and postpartum elite athletes - a qualitative study.
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Davenport MH; Program for Pregnancy and Postpartum Health, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada mdavenpo@ualberta.ca.; Ray L; Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.; Nesdoly A; Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.; Thornton JS; Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, Ontario, Canada.; Khurana R; Departments of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.; McHugh TF; Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Source
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0432520 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1473-0480 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 03063674 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Br J Sports Med Subsets: MEDLINE
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
Objective: Recent research grounded in the experiences of elite female athletes has shed light on the complex challenges of navigating sport environments that do not support or value pregnant or postpartum athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore the unique experiences of coaches and healthcare providers working with pregnant and postpartum elite athletes, and to identify actionable steps for research, policy and culture change to support them.
Methods: Sixteen participants (five coaches, three physicians and eight physiotherapists), who have worked with pregnant and/or postpartum elite athletes within the last 5 years, participated in this qualitative study. Thirteen participants self-identified as women, and three as men. Data were generated via semistructured one-on-one interviews that were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through a process of content analysis.
Results: The findings of this research are represented by five main themes: (a) lack of female athlete reproductive research, (b) need for evidence-informed education and training, (c) need to develop evidence-based progression for sport participation in pregnancy and postpartum, (d) open communication to support athlete-centred care and (e) essential supports and changes required for pregnant/postpartum athletes.
Conclusion: Findings from this study, which are grounded in the unique perspectives of coaches and healthcare providers, outline specific recommendations to inform policy and practices that support athletes through the perinatal period, such as developing evidence-based return-to-sport protocols.
Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.
(© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
Methods: Sixteen participants (five coaches, three physicians and eight physiotherapists), who have worked with pregnant and/or postpartum elite athletes within the last 5 years, participated in this qualitative study. Thirteen participants self-identified as women, and three as men. Data were generated via semistructured one-on-one interviews that were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through a process of content analysis.
Results: The findings of this research are represented by five main themes: (a) lack of female athlete reproductive research, (b) need for evidence-informed education and training, (c) need to develop evidence-based progression for sport participation in pregnancy and postpartum, (d) open communication to support athlete-centred care and (e) essential supports and changes required for pregnant/postpartum athletes.
Conclusion: Findings from this study, which are grounded in the unique perspectives of coaches and healthcare providers, outline specific recommendations to inform policy and practices that support athletes through the perinatal period, such as developing evidence-based return-to-sport protocols.
Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.
(© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)