The effect of physical activity on postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

IF 3.2 3区医学 Q1 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Public Health Pub Date : 2026-05-04 DOI:10.1016/j.puhe.2026.106296

Sumaiya Akter

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and postpartum depression (PPD) among pregnant and postpartum women, and to identify characteristics of PA interventions associated with reductions in depressive symptoms.

Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, databases were searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Wiley Online Library (2012-2023; updated to October 2024). Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies assessing PA and PPD among women aged 19-44 were included. Depression outcomes were measured using validated tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and CES-D. A random-effects meta-analysis synthesised RCT findings, while cohort data and heterogeneous PA characteristics were narratively synthesised.

Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria (seven RCTs; three cohort studies). Five studies reported significant reductions in PPD symptoms following PA, while five reported no significant association. Meta-analysis of seven RCTs showed no significant pooled effect (SMD -0.066; 95% CI -0.388 to 0.256, p = 0.689). Interventions varied in frequency, intensity, duration, type, and delivery format. Structured group-based activities, including aerobic sessions, aquatic exercise, and group gymnastics, showed more consistent improvements. Cohort data suggested that moderate-vigorous PA exceeding ∼90 min per week may be protective.

Conclusions: Evidence for the effectiveness of PA in reducing PPD remains mixed. Variation in intervention design, PA dose, adherence, and contextual factors contributed to inconsistent findings. However, structured or group-based PA that supports social engagement and routine adherence may be beneficial. Future research should specify PA dose using frequency, intensity, time, and type, monitor intervention fidelity, and consider psychosocial contributors when evaluating PA and PPD.

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体育锻炼对产后抑郁症的影响：系统回顾和荟萃分析。

目的：研究孕妇和产后妇女体育锻炼（PA）与产后抑郁（PPD）之间的关系，并确定体育锻炼干预与抑郁症状减轻相关的特征。研究设计：系统评价和荟萃分析。方法：按照PRISMA指南，检索PubMed、MEDLINE和Wiley Online Library（2012-2023；更新至2024年10月）的数据库。纳入了评估19-44岁女性PA和PPD的随机对照试验（rct）和前瞻性队列研究。使用爱丁堡产后抑郁量表（EPDS）和CES-D等有效工具测量抑郁结果。随机效应荟萃分析综合了RCT结果，而队列数据和异质PA特征则叙述综合。结果：10项研究符合纳入标准（7项随机对照试验；3项队列研究）。五项研究报告PA后PPD症状显著减轻，而五项研究报告无显著相关性。7项rct荟萃分析显示，合并效应无显著性差异（SMD -0.066; 95% CI -0.388 ~ 0.256, p = 0.689）。干预措施在频率、强度、持续时间、类型和交付形式上各不相同。有组织的团体活动，包括有氧运动、水上运动和团体体操，表现出更一致的改善。队列数据表明，每周超过~ 90分钟的中度剧烈运动可能具有保护作用。结论：PA降低PPD有效性的证据仍然是混合的。干预设计、PA剂量、依从性和环境因素的变化导致了不一致的结果。然而，支持社会参与和日常依从性的结构化或基于群体的PA可能是有益的。未来的研究应使用频率、强度、时间和类型来指定PA剂量，监测干预的保真度，并在评估PA和PPD时考虑社会心理因素。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Public Health 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生

CiteScore

7.60

自引率

0.00%

发文量

280

审稿时长

37 days

期刊介绍： Public Health is an international, multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal. It publishes original papers, reviews and short reports on all aspects of the science, philosophy, and practice of public health.