MAMA‑Move (Muslim and Motherhood Activity)

Project title

MAMA‑Move (Muslim and Motherhood Activity)

Description

Principal Investigator

Dr Camilla Nykjaer, Lecturer in Nutrition, Physical Activity & Public Health, School of Biomedical Sciences 

Co-Investigator 

Dr Jinan Rabbee, Postdoctoral Researcher, School of Biomedical Sciences 

Postgraduate Researcher

Khadija Baghdady, Physiotherapist; PGT student (MSc Sport & Exercise Medicine undertaking her dissertation as part of MAMA‑Move), School of Biomedical Sciences 

Project Background 

MAMA‑Move seeks to understand how faith and culture shape physical activity during the life course, including pregnancy and early motherhood, so that support can be designed with, and not just for, Muslim women. 

MAMA Move responds to growing recognition that physical activity experiences are shaped by social, cultural, and religious contexts across the life course, and that existing guidance and provision do not always reflect the realities of women’s everyday lives. For Muslim women, physical activity may be influenced by faith, modesty, family roles, access to women only spaces, and community expectations at different life stages, highlighting the need for culturally informed evidence.

Research Overview

MAMA-Move is a mixed‑methods study comprising (1) a UK‑wide online survey (10–15 minutes; English and Arabic) for adult Muslim women, and (2) women‑only focus groups (online UK‑wide and in person in West Yorkshire) with Muslim women who are pregnant or up to 12 months postnatal. Focus groups last 45-60 minutes and facilitated by experienced female researchers. 

The study explores physical activity knowledge, behaviours and experiences, including how cultural and religious contexts shape what meaningful, culturally sensitive support looks like from Muslim women’s perspectives. Recruitment uses community and faith gatekeepers, local authority and council stakeholders, social media, and survey opt-in routes. Focus group participants receive a £20 e-voucher as a thank you for their time. 

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) is a core part of MAMA Move. As the study begins, we will work with Muslim women and community stakeholders to review recruitment materials and data collection tools and help ensure they are clear, culturally appropriate, and meaningful. Individuals who take part in these involvement activities will receive a £30 voucher as a thank you for their time, in line with NIHR guidance.

MAMA-Move is led by an interdisciplinary team that includes a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in faithbased health research and a practising Muslim healthcare professional undertaking her MSc dissertation within the study, supporting cultural insight and reflexivity throughout the project.

Ethical approval: University of Leeds FBS FREC (Ref: FBS FREC 2026‑3935).

To enquire or take part, email mamamove@leeds.ac.uk

Impact

The study will generate practical, culturally grounded recommendations to help maternity services, community and faith organisations and health professionals support physical activity during pregnancy and early motherhood in ways that resonate with Muslim women’s values and lived realities. Outputs will be shared with community partners, local authorities (e.g., Leeds City Council and the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council), and relevant health networks to inform inclusive provision.

Get Involved

If you are a Muslim woman aged 18 or over living in the UK, you are welcome to complete the survey.

If you are currently pregnant or have had a baby within the last 12 months, you can also take part in a women-only group discussion.

To request the current survey link or group discussion dates, please email mamamove@leeds.ac.uk

Language: Survey currently available in English and Arabic; focus groups offered online UK-wide and in person in West Yorkshire (English/Arabic), with scope to expand to other languages based on participant need and community feedback.