The impact of physical activity intervention on perinatal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: No meta-analysis has analyzed the effect of physical activity level, period of physical activity intervention, and duration of intervention, on perinatal depression. This study was to evaluate the impact of physical activity intensity, dose, period, and duration on perinatal depression.Methods: The literature was searched via the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Weighted mean difference (WMD) or the risk ratio (RR) was used as the effect indicator, and the effect size was represented by the 95 % confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis based on the perinatal stage, physical ac-tivity intensity, physical activity equivalent, and intervention duration was performed.Results: Totally, 35 studies including 5084 women were included. Physical activity could reduce the incidence and severity of depression in perinatal women. Among depressed women with prenatal depression, low-intensity physical activity, with metabolic equivalents (METs)-min/week being <450, was associated with lower levels of depression. In the general population, the risk of postpartum depression was lower in the physical activity group when the duration of intervention was >= 12 weeks, being II, III stage, and >= 450 METs-min/week. Both low and moderate-intensity physical activity were beneficial to an improved depression severity among depressed women with postpartum depression, and moderate exercise intervention could decrease the risk of postpartum depres-sion in general pregnant women. Limitations: Different types of physical activities may affect the effectiveness of interventions. Conclusion: Our study indicated physical activity specifically targeted at pregnant women could reduce depres-sion risk and severity.

Automated summary

This study analyzed 35 studies and found that physical activity specifically targeted at pregnant women can reduce the incidence and severity of postpartum depression. Low-intensity physical activity can decrease depression severity in pregnant women with prenatal depression. In the general population, the risk of postpartum depression is lower when the duration of intervention is >= 12 weeks and the physical activity intensity is >= 450 METs-min/week. Both low and moderate-intensity physical activity are beneficial for improving depression severity among depressed women with postpartum depression.