Isolated physical activity programs during pregnancy and postpartum: Meta-analysis of randomized trials with usual-care controls on depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Daniela Aparecida de Faria, Victor Antonio Ferreira Freire, Dayanne Gabriela de Melo Marques et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of isolated physical activity interventions on depressive and anxiety symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women. Seventeen randomized controlled trials were included. The analysis found that physical activity was associated with lower depressive symptom scores during the antenatal period (SMD: -0.52) and postpartum period (SMD: -0.33), although the evidence quality was low to very low.
Key findings
- Physical activity reduced antenatal depressive symptoms (SMD: -0.52, 95% CI: -0.75 to -0.30).
- Postpartum depressive symptoms were lower with physical activity (SMD: -0.38, 95% CI: -0.72 to -0.04).
- No clear effect of physical activity on antenatal anxiety symptoms (SMD: -0.03, 95% CI: -0.31 to 0.25).
- Structured physical activity three times per week for 60 minutes may favorably impact depressive symptoms.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of physical activity on mental health during the perinatal period is crucial for developing effective interventions. This evidence may guide clinicians in recommending physical activity as a potential strategy to alleviate depressive symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women.
What to keep in mind
The evidence quality was low to very low, and there was substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity among the included trials.