Published in leading publication, International Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Physical Activity, the research tested Snacktivity™ – an approach that encourages people to accumulate physical activity through regular bursts of movement lasting just one to five minutes, rather than relying on longer exercise sessions.
Early findings have shown benefits amongst the 96 participants, including increased physical activity levels, less sedentary time, better weight gain management and stronger psychological wellbeing.
Researchers found that compared with women receiving standard antenatal care, those following the Snacktivity™ approach plus their antenatal care were, on average:
- 16 minutes more physically active each day
- 20 minutes less sedentary each day
- 0.8 kg less in gestational weight gain by the end of pregnancy
Additionally, the Snacktivity™ group reported lower depression and fatigue scores than the comparison group, although these differences were not overly significant.
Researchers also explored which activities women enjoyed most. Taking the stairs, walking in the park and household chores were among the most popular activity snacks. The easiest activities to fit into everyday life were taking the stairs, walking or cycling to the shops, and brisk walking while talking on the phone.
Lead researcher Dr Kayleigh Sharp said: “It’s great to see evidence that completing activity snacks throughout the day can make a real difference to pregnant women, with benefits not only to their physical health but also potentially contribute to their psychological wellbeing.”
Lead author Professor Amanda Daley, from Loughborough University's Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), said: “It can be difficult for women to be active during pregnancy, particularly as it progress, so it is great to see that Snacktivity™, sprinkling more activity throughout the day, can help to improve the health of pregnant women.”
Current UK guidelines recommend that pregnant women complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. However, only around one in three women meet this recommendation early in pregnancy, with participation declining further as pregnancy progresses.
The researchers say future versions of Snacktivity™ for pregnant women could include additional features, such as gamification, digital rewards, and more frequent prompts from health professionals when attending antenatal care clinical.
The study, Snacktivity™ to promote physical activity during pregnancy: Feasibility randomised controlled trial, was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Loughborough University.
To read the full study, visit: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12966-026-01989-8
