LIFTING TASKS, PERCEIVED EXERTION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS: THEIR RELATIONSHIP DURING PREGNANCY

The capabilities of the pregnant woman are well documented with regard to physical exercise. Huch and Erkkola (1990) noted that the pleasure derived from active participation in sport and exercise training also work positively on the emotional state. The performance of occupational and domestic tasks during pregnancy has received less attention. One task common to both circumstances is that of lifting weights. A weight bearing, dynamic lifting task is more likely to be affected by an increase in body mass, associated with pregnancy,than an isometric ‘holding’ task. Heavy lifting, in conjunction with other factors, such as shift work and long working hours has been linked with unfavourable birth outcomes (Armstrong et al., 1989). Most previous research has involved the completion of questionnaires as opposed to physical testing.