The effects of an exercise program on health-related quality of life in postpartum mothers: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Does aerobic exercise reduce postpartum depressive symptoms? a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…All 13 RCTs had been peer reviewed and published as journal articles, [22][23][24][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] a PhD thesis, 25 or abstracts. 34 Four trials were conducted in the US, 25,27,29,31 three in England, UK, 28,33,34 two in Australia, 22,26 one in Canada, 23 one in India, 30 one in Japan, 32 and one in Taiwan. 24 The total population of the combined studies was 1734 eligible participants, with follow-up data provided by 1307 participants who were included in the primary metaanalysis.…”

“…24 The total population of the combined studies was 1734 eligible participants, with follow-up data provided by 1307 participants who were included in the primary metaanalysis. Seven trials recruited participants with possible depression, [22][23][24][25]28,33,34 of which three required participants to score above a threshold on the EPDS questionnaire (from ≥10 to >12), 26,27,32 and two required a diagnosis of depression (International Classification of Diseases version 10 [ICD-10] 33 or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition [DSM-IV] criteria). 34 Despite not reporting baseline depression threshold criteria, two trials reported mean baseline depression scores indicating depressed populations (EPDS scores of 18.9-19.8, 25 Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] 15.8-16.9).…”

“…Six trials recruited general postpartum populations (Table 1). 26,27,[29][30][31][32] Intervention characteristics All trials included interventions designed to increase exercise levels. In addition, two trial interventions also aimed to improve diet and encourage a healthy lifestyle, 24,27 two also provided social support, 22,31 and one also provided education on postpartum issues.…”

“…In addition, two trial interventions also aimed to improve diet and encourage a healthy lifestyle, 24,27 two also provided social support, 22,31 and one also provided education on postpartum issues. 26 Six trials had group exercise interventions; 22,26,[30][31][32]34 seven trials had interventions in which exercise counselling was provided and the participant was free to choose their own form of exercise (Table 1). [23][24][25][27][28][29]33 The interventions ranged from 4 weeks' duration 30,32 to 6 months.…”

“…[23][24][25][27][28][29]33 The interventions ranged from 4 weeks' duration 30,32 to 6 months. 24,29,33 Most aimed to achieve 30 minutes of moderate activity three to five times weekly, 22,23,25,[27][28][29][32][33][34] although some consisted of once-weekly group exercise. 26,30 Eight of the studies reported adherence to the intended intervention.…”