Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025
Author Spotlight: Enhancing the Offspring Health in Rats with Maternal Exercise During Pregnancy
Published on: April 5, 2024
Effects of an exercise intervention on maternal depression, anxiety, and fatigue: a systematic review and
Haoran Yu1, Qinglei Mu2, Xunjin Lv2
1Institute of Sports Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Background:
Existing meta-analyses suggest that exercise intervention may play a crucial therapeutic role in improving maternal depression, anxiety and fatigue symptoms. However, the efficacy varies across different exercise content, duration, frequency, cycle, intensity, format and intervention period.
Objective:
Using meta-analysis to propose the best intervention program and examine the effect of exercise intervention on maternal depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Methods:
Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI) were searched from inception to June 2024, a total of 37 literatures were included. The methodological quality of the included literatures was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the PEDro scale. When heterogeneity was high, we used random-effects models. Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias. Sensitivity analysis was used to verify the robustness of the combined results. Subgroup analysis was used to explore sources of heterogeneity.
Results:
Exercise has beneficial effects on the improvement of maternal depression [g = -0.71, 95%CI (-0.93, -0.49), p = 0.00], anxiety [g = -1.09, 95%CI (-1.42, -0.76), p = 0.00] and fatigue [g = -0.64, 95%CI (-0.88, -0.40), p = 0.00] symptoms. Postnatal interventions may be more effective than prenatal. Low-moderate intensity yoga with group + individual, 4-5 times/week, 40-60 min/time, duration 4-8 weeks is most effective in improving depressive symptoms. Low-intensity yoga with group + individual, 4-5 times/week, 40-60 min/time, duration 4-8 weeks is most effective for improving anxiety symptoms. Low-intensity Pilates with group, 1-2 times/week, 40-60 min/time, duration 4-8 weeks is most effective for improving fatigue symptoms.
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis demonstrates the positive effect of exercise on improving maternal depression, anxiety and fatigue and suggests the best intervention program. Maternal perceptions that postpartum exercise is safer may account for the better outcomes of postpartum intervention. Further higher quality and large-scale trials are needed to substantiate our findings.
Systematic Review Registration:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42024567987.
More Related Videos
06:39Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
05:38The Effect of Anti-Fatigue Decoction on the Behaviors and Serological Indicators in a Central Fatigue Rat Model
Published on: April 12, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:18Depression: Overview