Effectiveness of physical activity intervention for depression, anxiety and comorbid symptoms during the perinatal period among Chinese primiparas.
Liping He, Kim Lam Soh, Aixiang Chen et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomised controlled trial assessed a 13-week physical activity programme incorporating partner support and enjoyment in 120 Chinese primiparas, compared with usual care. Outcomes included depression, anxiety, and comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD), measured at baseline, after the programme, and 6 weeks postpartum. The intervention was associated with lower depression and anxiety scores and lower depression and CAD rates at both follow-ups. Anxiety incidence was significantly lower only at 6 weeks postpartum (OR: 0.34 (0.16 to 0.74)); depression incidence did not show a significant group-by-time interaction.
Key findings
- Depression scores were lower than control at post-intervention (MD: -2.67 (-4.16 to -1.17)) and 6 weeks postpartum (MD: -2.63 (-4.15 to -1.11)).
- Anxiety scores were lower than control at post-intervention (MD: -4.95 (-9.23 to -0.67)) and 6 weeks postpartum (MD: -7.33 (-11.85 to -2.82)).
- Depression rates were lower at post-intervention (OR: 0.40 (0.18 to 0.85)) and 6 weeks postpartum (OR: 0.44 (0.21 to 0.93)), although depression incidence had no significant group-by-time interaction.
- CAD rates were lower at post-intervention (OR: 0.35 (0.14 to 0.87)) and 6 weeks postpartum (OR: 0.26 (0.11 to 0.62)); anxiety incidence fell significantly only postpartum.
Why it matters
Perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms can affect maternal wellbeing, and this trial suggests a structured physical activity programme with partner support and enjoyment may improve several symptom and incidence outcomes in primiparas. The differing results across outcomes—including no significant interaction for depression incidence and a postpartum-only reduction in anxiety incidence—underscore the importance of distinguishing symptom scores from diagnostic or threshold-based incidence.
What to keep in mind
The study included 120 primiparas and assessed outcomes only through 6 weeks postpartum, so longer-term effects are not established.