THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON MILD POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND RELATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN REFERRING TO KASHAN HEALTH CENTERS, 2011

Postpartum depression is a problematic and important disease and if it is not
recognized and treated on time, it can be aggravated or chronic. Exercise is strongly recommended in
this regard to prevent any family disorders and improve the health of mother, child and family. The
aim of this study was to determine the effect of exercise on mild postpartum depression among women
referring to Kashan health centers, and to determine its related factors.
Materials & Methods: This study was a double blind clinical trial. About 50 subjects with normal
vaginal delivery were selected. The subjects had referred to health centers in the second week after
delivery, and they were diagnosed to have mild depression using Beck depression test. They were
randomly divided into two groups (exercise and non-exercise). Then Beck test was redone 6 weeks
after delivery, and the results were compared in two groups.
Results: The findings indicated that between mildly depressed mothers, 58% were 20-30 years old,
55% were housekeeper, 44% had diploma and under diploma education, 66% had two previous
deliveries. 72% of exercise group and 40% of non-exercise group were treated. 8% of experimental
subjects and 16% of control ones needed psychological consultation 6 weeks after delivery. T-test
showed significant differences between two groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Results showed that exercise had a positive effect on the treatment of mild postpartum
depression. As a result, the exercise is recommended strongly in postpartum care