Currently submitted to: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jun 12, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Jun 13, 2026 - Aug 8, 2026
(currently open for review)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
The Nordic Fit Mama Digital Postnatal Wellbeing Programme: An Acceptability, Feasibility and Impact Study for the UK
ABSTRACT
Background:
Women in the UK are at an increased risk of obesity, pelvic floor dysfunction and urinary incontinence during the postnatal period. These challenges can then impact emotional and psychological wellbeing. Physical activity guidelines exist; however, it is well documented that many women are not meeting these recommendations. We conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the acceptability and impact of the digital Nordic Fit Mama Postnatal Training Programme and explore its place within the UK Market.
Objective:
To assess whether women's postnatal health - physical, emotional, psychological and sexual - was felt to improve by their use of an online digital wellness tool
Methods:
Between January and August 2023, 102 participants were provided with free access to the Nordic Fit Mama programme for a period of 12 weeks. 44 participants completed questionnaires at 0 (baseline), 6 and 12 weeks into the programme. A semi-structured interview (SSI) was conducted online with a focus group of 6 participants following the completion of the programme. This was also attended by 3 physiotherapy stakeholders with a specialist interest in postnatal care and physical exercise.
Results:
3 themes were collaboratively assessed: the Acceptability, Feasibility, and Impact of the digital wellbeing programme. Participants reported that the programme had contributed to improvements in their physical health; including muscle strength, continence and overall energy levels. These improvements in physical health also were reported to have positively impacted upon the emotional wellbeing and overall quality of life, for participants.
Conclusions:
Overall, this study presents a positive picture of the acceptability, feasibility and impact of the Nordic Fit Mama Postnatal Programme for the UK market. Use of the digital tool was reported to give participants time and space to address their own health; both physical and emotional, which then led to more happiness, less anxiety, and improved feelings of being worthwhile. There is a level of commitment required to achieve the improvements found, which relates to acceptability and is noted in the significant drop-off rate of participants. Clinical Trial: N/A
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