Knight Research Scholars Program Project

Intention-Behavior Gap in Postpartum Women

Learn about this research project, meet the faculty and student researchers, review participation expectations, and check current availability.

Project Availability

Team Size
5 team members
Open Spots
2 spots open
Affiliations
College of Health Professions and Sciences
Semester
Fall 2026
Team Leader

Team Member Qualifications

Consistent availability — at least two days per week with a minimum of three hours each day to support recruitment activities, interviews, and participant coordination.

Research methods background — completion of (or current enrollment in) a research methods course to ensure familiarity with study design, data collection, and ethical considerations.

Ability to travel off campus — willingness to visit local sites such as community centers or the Department of Health for recruitment or program support.

Interest in women’s health — passion for maternal health, postpartum wellness, physical activity, or exercise‑related research.

Required: CITI Human Subjects Research Group 2 Social/Behavioral Research

Description

This study investigates the intention-behavior gap in postpartum women's physical activity, utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework. Our goal is to understand how postpartum women think about returning to exercising, what motivates them, and what obstacles prevent them from doing so.

The study uses semi-structured interviews and a 14-day activity monitoring phase to capture attitudes and real-world behaviors. Participants will do a Zoom interview followed by two weeks of activity tracking with an Apple Watch and the Pathverse app. The study will begin with recruiting postpartum mothers in Orlando, with the possibility to increase participation throughout the United States. This study's findings will contribute to maternal health research and inform future programs aimed at increasing postpartum physical activity in postpartum women.