Presentation: The Potential Rise of the Athlete Mum – Common or rare by 2032?

Dr Melanie Hayman, Central Queensland University

Dr Hayman’s research has made a significant contribution to her field, leading the development of critical industry documents. Most recently, her work involves the co-authorship of the 2020 Australian Exercise during Pregnancy Guidelines (on behalf of the Australian Government) and the 2021 Australian Physical Activity Screening Tool for pregnant women (endorsed by peak industry bodies). Dr Hayman has delivered presentations and workshops for the Australian Institute of Sport, QLD Academy of Sport, Sports Medicine Australia and Exercise and Sport Science Australia and is named investigator on $1m+ in research grants. She collaborates with leading researchers and industry leaders (including exercise and health professionals) both nationally and internationally, in closing the gap between research and practice towards improving health outcomes for pregnant women.

Her current research projects include: longitudinal and observational research of HIIT and resistance training during pregnancy, establishing frameworks to support elite athletes during pregnancy and in their return to competitive sports, exercise during pregnancy apps, social media and the association between influencers and exercise behaviours among pregnant women.