PURPOSE:
Japan faces declining birth rates and labor shortages, with increasing dual-income households making postpartum recovery and return-to-work support crucial social issues. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated exercise deficiency among pregnant women, making it more challenging to achieve WHO-recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for pregnant and postpartum women (WHO, 2020). This study evaluates the practical continuation and social impact of an online maternal exercise instructor training program through a graduate survey, examining implementation after transitioning to online format during the pandemic.

DISCUSSION:
Since 2017, our NPO has trained 445 maternal healthcare trainers (1,352 total completions). After introducing online formats in 2020, we continued instructor development through pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause exercise programs. All programs were designed in 10-minute segments to enhance feasibility of achieving WHO-recommended exercise duration. A web-based survey of 43 graduates assessed training modalities, program utilization, and implementation rates. 67% experienced online training, with 33% completing programs after the pandemic onset.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Graduate utilization rates were 72% for pregnancy programs, 67% for delivery preparation programs, and 72% for postpartum programs in their actual instruction practice. Online training experience reached 67% of respondents, demonstrating continued instructor development during COVID-19. Free-text responses revealed strong demands for continuing education, online material utilization preferences, and professional development motivation. 67% of graduates had 3+ years of experience, confirming long-term practice continuation.

KEY MESSAGE:
Transitioning to online instructor training during COVID-19 enabled continued maternal exercise instruction despite social distancing requirements. Approximately 70% of graduates put the programs to practical use, and many expressed a desire to continue their learning or use on-demand teaching materials. The 10-minute program design serves as a practical approach enabling busy pregnant and postpartum women to achieve WHO guidelines recommending. This initiative provides a model for supporting both women's health and career continuity, suggesting potential applicability to other countries facing similar challenges. Postpartum - miscellaneous