ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS, MEDICATION CONSUMPTION, AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DYSFUNCTION SYMPTOMS DURING PREGNANCY

• Grant number: 24/21769-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Jamile Sanches Codogno
• Grantee: Daniela de Araujo Lima
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The gestational period causes significant changes in a woman's body, which can lead to considerable discomfort and affect the well-being and quality of life of this population. Although physical activity is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, little is known about the relationship between the level of physical activity during pregnancy and medication use in this population.Objectives: To analyze the relationship between the level of physical activity of pregnant women and their medication expenses, as well as the dysfunctions experienced by this population.Methods: This is a longitudinal observational study, with a sample of pregnant women with ¿ 14 weeks of gestational age. They will be evaluated at two time points (second and third trimesters) regarding their medical history, medication use, and costs, through the application of questionnaires (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Pelvic Girdle Pain Questionnaire, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and physical activity levels will be assessed using the triaxial accelerometer Actigraph GT3X.Statistical Analysis: Descriptive data will be presented as mean values, standard deviation, and 95% confidence interval. The tests used will include the independent t-test, ANCOVA for confounding variable adjustments, Bonferroni correction, and effect size measures will be expressed as eta-squared (ES-r). The significance level (p-value) will be set at values below 5%, and the statistical software used will be Stata (version 16.0).Expected Results: To assess the influence of physical activity levels on healthcare costs for pregnant women and their effects on the symptoms experienced by this population. (AU)