Nivel de actividad física en embarazadas del Centro de Salud de la Ciudadela Tomebamba. Cuenca 2021

Abstract

Physical activity plays a primary role throughout people's lives; however, the relationship of physical activity to pregnancy has long been questioned. Although there is scientific evidence that corroborates the importance of physical activity during pregnancy. Physical activity levels of pregnant women according to international studies are too low. In the national context, it has been shown that there are almost no studies focused on measuring the level of physical activity during the gestational period. Objective: To evaluate the level of physical activity of pregnant women attending the "Health Center of the Ciudadela Tomebamba. Cuenca 2021." Methodology: It was based on a descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, developed in the “Health Center of the Ciudadela Tomebamba” in the Cuenca city. The questionnaire was applied “Pregancy Physical Activity Questionnarie” (PPAQ) to 32 pregnant women who met the inclusion criterion, during of June 2021. Results: The energy expenditure or total physical activity of the pregnant women is 166.54 METs min/week (normal value 600 METs min/week), which is too low on average. In terms of activities, the activity most performed by the pregnant women is domestic activity and the one they perform the least is sports activity, as well as light intensity predominates, in comparison with the low values of vigorous activity. Significant differences were found in the variable level of academic training. Conclusions: The level of physical activity is low of the pregnant women of “Health Center of the Ciudadela Tomebamba”. The prevailing activities are household activities with light intensities. On the other hand, sporting activity, as well as vigorous intensity, are almost nil.