Can exercise or physical activity benefit women’s mental health? An examination of post and antenatal depression

Abstract

Depression during the childbearing years affects between 10-15% of women, and amongst the detrimental effects to health is lowered Physical Activity (PA) behaviour. While modalities of exercise and PA behaviour have been identified as having a positive effect on the depression condition as well as other heath indices (e.g., weight and adiposity), its effectiveness remains uncertain during the postnatal and antenatal stages. Postnatal Depression (PND) and Antenatal Depression (AND) are predominantly treated with antidepressants and counselling; and even while acknowledging potential movement associated with pregnancy, emerging evidence suggests exercise/PA could be a potentially feasible and cost-effective, adjunct, treatment behaviour. Thesis findings suggest that exercise/PA interventions could have specific preventative and symptom treatment roles. Thus, exercise/PA guidelines can be recommended,