Feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity intervention to reduce prenatal cannabis use: results of an open pilot trial.

This item covers developments relevant to cannabis medicine and clinical practice. Clinicians monitoring evidence in this area should review the source material.

Cannabis is commonly used among reproductive-aged individuals, and prenatal cannabis use (PCU) has increased dramatically in recent years, despite guidance warning of possible adverse outcomes. Physical activity interventions have been shown to reduce substance use in other populations. Building on this, we examined the feasibility and acceptability of a 10-week prenatal walking intervention in a small trial with 16 pregnant individuals who were seeking to reduce PCU. Participants wore a Fitbit to track activity and attended 6 sessions designed to promote gradual increases in daily step count. Indicators of feasibility, acceptability and safety were assessed, as were changes in cannabis use, physical activity, depression and anxiety. Results suggest the intervention was feasible and acceptable; most women (88%) completed the intervention, attending on average 5.8 of 6 sessions, with strong compliance to Fitbit wear. No adverse events were reported. Findings provide preliminary evidence

“This is a development worth tracking. The clinical implications will become clearer as more evidence accumulates.”

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