Q: What are the possible benefits of participating in the POW study?
A: While we cannot predict whether or not you will receive any direct benefit from being this study, you will be a valued member of the study. You will be among the first to learn the study results, and you will directly contribute to scientific research by helping researchers learn whether this online exercise program will improve the health and wellness of new moms like you!
Q: What are the costs?
A: There are no costs associated with your participation in the study in either group.
Q: Will I be paid to participate in this research study?
A: Each participant (from both study groups) will receive a total of $70 in Target e-gift cards for completion of all study activities, including the surveys and wearing the physical activity monitor. Please note that for women in the exercise program group, no additional gift cards are provided for completing the exercise program.
Q: How do you determine who gets assigned to which study group?
A: Assignments are randomly assigned (like flipping a coin). Each participant has an equal chance of being in either study group.
Q: Can I choose which study group to be in?
A: No, you cannot choose your group. In order to understand whether the online exercise program works, we need to randomly assign participants by chance. If you have a preference of your group assignment, and especially do not think you would continue participating in the study if you did not get your choice, this study is probably not a good fit for you. Completing all study activities, including all the surveys and wearing the physical activity monitor, are integral to the success of the study. You should feel comfortable being randomly assigned to one of the two groups. We encourage you to think about this before deciding to join the POW study.
Q: When should I complete the study surveys?
A: Please complete all surveys when you receive them as soon as possible. We will send you a reminder prior to sending each of the follow-up surveys. If the survey link has expired, please contact us.
Q: What is the usual care group? Can I still exercise on my own?
A: The usual care group is self-directed and receives their usual postpartum care. Participants in the usual care group are welcome to start a program/activity or continue whatever they were doing for exercise and wellness.
Q: I was assigned to the usual care group but was hoping to be in the online exercise program group. Is there any way I can switch groups?
A: Unfortunately, no. The study group assignment is by chance, which is the best way for us to understand whether the online exercise program works. We recognize that this may be disappointing, but your participation in the follow up surveys and data collection as part of the usual care group is extremely important to the success of our study. We recognize that fitting in physical activity during postpartum is challenging, and we encourage you to talk with your doctor about your physical activity goals and available resources to support these goals at KPNC. You can also find some information in the “Physical Activity Recommendations and Tips" tab.
Q: Is my participation more beneficial to the study if I am randomized to one study group over the other?
A: The contributions of participants in both groups are equally important for us to learn whether the program is beneficial for the wellness of new moms. Both groups should complete all study surveys and wear the physical activity monitor.
Q: What is the physical activity monitor and how does it work?
A: The physical activity monitor, called an Actigraph, is a wrist-worn device that measures and records your physical activity and sleep using the movement of the device. It is non-invasive and safe to wear. You will wear the monitor on your wrist for 7 continuous days each time, while doing your daily activities including sleep. We will mail the monitor and wearing instructions, including the Device Log, and also provide a self-addressed prepaid postage envelope for you to return the items after each measurement period.
Q: I received my Actigraph device. When should I begin wearing it?
A: Once you receive your Actigraph in the mail, please start wearing it right away for 7 days. The sooner you wear it, the sooner you can return it back to us! Also, please remember to note the date and time you start wearing it on your Device Log.
Q: I lost the Actigraph Device Log. Can I get another one?
A: Absolutely! The logs are available in the “For Study Participants" tab. Feel free to print one out, or you can contact us and we will send you another.
