ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES ON REDUCTION OF POSTPARTUM ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Objective: The objective behind this study is to find out the effect of exercise on postpartum depression.

Methods: This clinical trial was done on 102 pregnant ladies divided into 2 groups, first one case group in which 51 females were trained to do exercises during postpartum period. The other group was considered control which was treated and followed up in usual way. Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to measure depression among females during postpartum period. T test was applied. Results: demographic properties were almost similar between both groups, without any significant statistical difference. There was a significant reduction in stress level among case group after following the exercises taught to them during postpartum period with p value <0.02. Anxiety lowered from 49.5±4.2 to 47.4 with p value <0.0001. Hidden anxiety level dropped down from 50.1 to 47.4 (p value 0.001).

Conclusion: 8 weeks aerobic exercises had positive impact on lowering the postpartum stress level among pregnant females.

Keywords: pregnancy, postpartum depression, exercise, anxiety.