This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic’s Terms of Use for web and social media privacy.  If you do not agree to the above, you can configure your browser’s setting to “do not track.”

Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of Victoria
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
Faculty of Graduate Studies

Heather Hollman

  • MRSc (University of British Columbia, 2019)
  • DC (Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 2013)
  • BSc (University of Victoria, 2010)
Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Topic

Physical Activity mHealth Tailored to Postpartum Individuals with Lumbopelvic Pain

School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education

Date & location

  • Tuesday, June 23, 2026
  • 10:00 A.M.
  • McKinnon Building, Room 092

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Ryan Rhodes, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
  • Dr. Sam Liu, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, UVic (Member)
  • Dr. Margie Davenport, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta (Outside Member)

External Examiner

  • Dr. Annelie Gutke, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. LJ Slovin, School of Child and Youth Care, UVic

Abstract

Background: Postpartum moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is essential for the health of the birth parent, their future pregnancies, and their children. Unfortunately, over 55% of postpartum individuals are not meeting recommended MVPA guidelines and face significant barriers to MVPA participation such as lack of childcare, sleep, and time. Up to 67% of postpartum individuals suffer from lumbopelvic pain (LPP) which can affect their ability to be active. Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) have great potential for promoting MVPA amongst postpartum individuals; however, those currently available lack quality and evidence-based recommendations and have limited effectiveness and engagement.

Objectives: To design and develop an evidence-based, acceptable, usable, feasible, scalable, and low-cost MVPA promotion mHealth app tailored to postpartum individuals with LPP. A series of three studies, following the IDEAS (Integrate, Design, Assess, and Share) framework, were conducted to meet this overarching objective.

Methods: This proposal consists of six chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction with a brief overview of the background literature and dissertation objectives. Chapter 2 provides a more thorough background literature review. Chapter 3 is a systematic review of mediators of postpartum PA behaviour change interventions. Chapter 4 is a cross-sectional study to determine predictors of MVPA intention-PA translation among postpartum individuals. Chapter 5 is a co-design study, in partnership with key knowledge users (i.e., individuals with lived expertise of postpartum LPP and healthcare providers) to tailor a previously existing theory-informed and evidence-based MVPA promotion mHealth app to postpartum individuals with LPP. Chapter 6 is a general discussion to synthesize the findings of the aforementioned three studies and make suggestions for future directions.

Significance: The findings of this research program illuminates the unique barriers, needs, and considerations for MVPA and mHealth when intervening with postpartum individuals with LPP. They also inform future large scale trials with the ultimate intents of optimizing health and reducing chronic disease for postpartum individuals themselves, their future pregnancies, and their children.

Back to oral exams