A randomized clinical trial of exercise to alleviate postpartum depressed mood

“…One study on postpartum women within 4–38 weeks of childbirth revealed specific exercise facilitated the mother's recovery process (Da Costa et al, 2009). According to research by McIntosh (1993) factors such as lack of support, lack of time, and frequent feeling of isolation could contribute to the mental health and recovery in the postpartum period.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The relationship between postnatal depression, sociodemographic factors, levels of partner support, and levels of physical activity

et al. 2014

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Background: postnatal depression (PND) is defined as a psychological mood disorder that occurs in a mother within 6 weeks of her giving birth. It refers to an episode that causes mood disturbance and it could begin in, or extend into, the postpartum period. It is thought to have a high impact upon the mother's health as well as the family's functioning and the child's development. Socio-demographic, psych-social, and physical activity factors may all contribute to postpartum mood and ability to cope with responsibilities. The primary aim of this study was to determine which of these factors predicted PND in postpartum women. A secondary aim was to identify the socio-demographic and psycho-social predictors of physical activity in postpartum women.Methods: The study used a cross-sectional correlational design. A sample of 150 postpartum women was sent a package of six standardized questionnaires.Results: There was no association between physical activity and PND; however, older mothers, mothers of younger children, mothers who are less reluctant to ask for help, and mothers who are more satisfied with the help they get experience lower levels of PND. Mothers of older babies, mothers with more children, and less educated mothers are more likely to engage in caregiving activities, whereas mothers with fewer children and higher levels of partner support are more likely to engage in occupational activities. None of the socio-demographic factors or any of the parenting factors predicted levels of sporting activity.

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“…These studies show promise and support the positive effects of postnatal MPA as a treatment modality for PPD [42][43][44][45][46][47]; however measuring MPA during the postpartum period fails to include the cumulative effect of exercise throughout pregnancy, which may play a preventative role in the development of PPD.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Antenatal physical activity: Investigating the effects on postpartum depression

Guida¹,

Sundaram²,

Leiferman³

2012

Health

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Engaging in regular moderate-intensity physical activity has been demonstrated as a successful treatment modality for both major and minor depression and as effective as pharmacologic treatments. However, less is known about the use of antenatal physical activity as a preventive modality for depression during the perinatal period. The objective of the present study was to determine if there is an association between antenatal physical activity and PPD. A cross-sectional study using the 2007-2008 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from Colorado and North Carolina (N = 6026) was conducted. PRAMS self-reported data are from a large randomized sample collected by the CDC that assesses maternal demographic, socio-economic, and pre-pregnancy and perinatal behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between antenatal sedentary behavior and PPD. Upon adjusting for maternal age, education, race, marital status, parity, stress, smoking, drinking, and prenatal care utilization, women who did not engage in antenatal physical activity were 1.34 times more likely to screen positive for PPD than women who exercised 5 or more days per week [OR 1.34; 95% CI: (1.04, 1.74); p = 0.03]. These findings suggest that not engaging in antenatal exercise may be associated with an increase risk of PPD. Further research is warranted to better understand the effects of antenatal sedentary behavior on PPD and the potential use of physical activity as a preventive modality for PPD.

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A randomized clinical trial of exercise to alleviate postpartum depressed mood

Cited by 62 publications

References 61 publications

Effects of a Home-based Exercise Intervention on Fatigue in Postpartum Depressed Women: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of a Home-based Exercise Intervention on Fatigue in Postpartum Depressed Women: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

The relationship between postnatal depression, sociodemographic factors, levels of partner support, and levels of physical activity

Antenatal physical activity: Investigating the effects on postpartum depression

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