Effects of Pilates Exercises to Depression and Sleep Quality on the Postpartum Period: A Randomized Controlled Study

Aim: Postpartum is one of the most critical processes in women. Many changes occur in the female body during this process. Exercise is the easiest method to manage these changes. Our study aimed to understand how postpartum depression, sleep quality, and functional levels affect women who perform pilates exercises. Material and Methods: In this randomized controlled study, 57 postpartum volunteer women between six weeks and six months, aged 25-38, with a single baby, were randomly included in 28 pilates and 29 control groups. The pilates group was given pilates exercises for one hour a day, two days a week for 12 weeks, by a physical therapist. The control group was given a home program consisting of relaxation and breathing exercises. Before and after the study, depression was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), sleep quality, the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale (PSQS), and postnatal functional levels, the Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth (IFSAC) was evaluated using the questionnaire form-filling method. Results: EPDS (8.71±1.42 versus 7.06±1.21, p=0.001), PSQS (25.69±3.40 versus 22.91±3.04, p=0.001), IFSAC (2.47±0.41 versus 2.93±0.21, p=0.001) scores statistically significant improvements were observed in pilates group. While the control group did not show a significant difference in depression levels (8.85±1.50 versus 8.95±1.23, p=0.479), statistically worsening of sleep quality (26.17±3.41 versus 27.59±2.94, p=0.009) and postpartum functional level parameters were observed (2.65±0.42 versus 2.48±0.46, p=0.016). Conclusion: The results showed that 12-week pilates exercises applied during the postpartum period could improve postpartum women’s functional levels, depression levels, and sleep quality.