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Evaluating wearable-supported exercise interventions for reducing postpartum weight: a randomized controlled trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The use of wearable devices such as the Actigraphy Watch to enhance physical activity uptake in early postpartum care is less known. METHODS: The Integrated Physical Activity Tracking and Exercise in Postpartum Women (ITRACK) randomised controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a wearable-supported physical activity intervention. Women were randomized 1:1 between 4–8 weeks postpartum to receive either a wrist-worn actigraphy watch (intervention) or standard care (control). All participants received routine postpartum care at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, along with physical activity counselling and motivational text messages. The primary outcome, change in body weight, was analyzed using a linear mixed model for repeated measures. Secondary outcomes included BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body composition, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis markers, and blood pressure. RESULTS: Among 49 participants (control: n=24; intervention: n=25), at 12–16 weeks postpartum, the intervention group lost an average of 0.58 kg, while the control group gained 0.45 kg. This resulted in a significant between-group difference of –1.03 kg (95% CI: –1.83 to –0.23; p = 0.01). Similarly, BMI decreased by 0.24 kg/m² in the intervention group and increased by 0.83 kg/m² in the control group, with a between-group difference of –1.07 kg/m² (95% CI: –2.08 to –0.06; p = 0.04). No significant differences were observed for other outcomes. CONCLUSION: Physical activity counselling, weekly motivational messages coupled with the use of a wrist-worn ActiGraphy watch early postpartum can reduce body weight and BMI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (National Clinical Trial [NCT]: NCT07153081); Date of registration: 26/08/2025.

Source: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

DOI: 10.1186/s12884-026-08937-1

Authors: Phaik Ling Quah, Kok Hian Tan, Mei Hui Tan, Bernard Su Min Chern

Institutions: National University of Singapore, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Duke-NUS Medical School

Language: English

Topic: Mobile Health and mHealth Applications

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290