Research project
MAMA‑Move (Muslim and Motherhood Activity)
- Start date: 01/04/2026
- End date: 01/11/2027
- Partners and collaborators: Community and faith‑based partners supporting recruitment (gatekeepers, women’s groups, faith-leaders, children’s/family centres)
- Primary investigator: Dr Camilla Nykjaer
- Co-investigators: Dr Jinan Rabbee
- Postgraduate students: Khadija Baghdady
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.
Many women wish to stay active during pregnancy and early motherhood, but support often is not always tailored to cultural or faith contexts. MAMA‑Move responds to this gap by centring Muslim women’s experiences of movement during the life course, including pregnancy and the first year after birth, recognising the potential of faith and culture to act as both facilitators and barriers to physical activity.
The project has been developed collaboratively with a practising Muslim postdoctoral researcher and a practising Muslim healthcare professional (physiotherapist) undertaking her MSc dissertation on this topic, ensuring the study reflects lived experience, cultural insight and community priorities.
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 are 45-60 minutes and facilitated by experienced female researchers.
We will be exploring physical activity knowledge, behaviours and experiences; cultural and religious influences; and what meaningful, culturally sensitive support looks like from Muslim women’s perspectives. Recruitment uses community and faith gatekeepers, social media, and survey opt‑in; focus‑group participants receive a £20 e‑voucher as a thank you for their time.
Ethical approval: University of Leeds FBS FREC (Ref: FBS FREC 2026‑3935).
Get Involved
If you are a Muslim woman aged 18+ living in the UK and would like to complete the survey or join a women‑only discussion, please email mamamove@leeds.ac.uk for the current links and dates.
Languages: Survey offered in English and Arabic; focus groups available online UK‑wide and in person in West Yorkshire with English/Arabic options.
To enquire or take part, email mamamove@leeds.ac.uk.
Impact
The study will generate practical, culturally grounded recommendations to help maternity services, community 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 and relevant health networks to inform inclusive provision.