When athletes become mothers: our advice for strength training during pregnancy & post-partum?

There is a positive, supportive shift in the realm of physical activity during pregnancy and beyond. We are seeing more elite and recreational athletes continue their training during pregnancy and return to training and competition afterwards. As more research emerges to support the benefits of physical activity on overall health and wellbeing, in the area of pelvic floor health we are still stuck with little evidence to guide not only strenuous activities but strength training during these times, which is an essential part of sports performance and overall health.
Due to this lack of knowledge, many health professionals continue to provide cautious advice on strength training to females who may be at risk for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), including complete avoidance. This talk aims to discuss concepts, evidence, and advice surrounding the area of pelvic floor health in strength training during pregnancy and postpartum.

Presenter

Lori Forner, APAM(BScH, MPhtySt, PhD candidate) is a private practice physiotherapist in the field of pelvic health. She is currently working on her PhD at The University of Queensland looking into the effects of weightlifting on pelvic organ support. Her background includes exercise physiology and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, with clinical interests in complex female pelvic pain, female pelvic floor dysfunction in exercise, and the use of 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound. She is an invited conference speaker, a casual lecturer at The University of Queensland, and produces and hosts The Pelvic Health Podcast - which interviews top academics and experts in the field of pelvic health.

Host

Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health National Group

Sports & Exercise National Group

Date of Live Event

17/07/2022 

CPD Hours

1.0 Hours

Please note: The content of this Lecture on Demand (LOD) was captured via a recording of a live lecture at the APA premises. Due to the nature of the event and the recording method, this LOD may not have captured some of the questions/comments from live audience. Your purchase of this module indicates your acceptance of this.