The Effect of Exercise on Postnatal Fatigue: A Controlled Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Lecturer, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences,, Tabriz, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Psychology, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Even though, the prevalence of postpartum fatigue is more than depression, but most studies have focused on the effect of exercise on postpartum depression and fatigue is neglected in this period. So, this clinical trial was done to determine the effectiveness of exercise on postnatal fatigue.
Methodology:This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 127 pregnant women with gestational age of 28-32 weeks in 2010. Current depressive and fatigue condition were assessed respectively by using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale and fatigue identification form. Women with Edinburgh scores lower than 15 were included in this study and were allocated randomly in one of three groups: control group, group receiving training for exercise during pregnancy and group receiving training for exerciseduring pregnancy and postpartum period. Fatigue scores were measured one and two months after delivery. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 13), chi square, fisher exact and Kruskal Wallis tests. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Mean change of fatigue scorers were not different significantly between the three groups, one and two months after delivery (p=0.67 and p=0.87, respectively).
Conclusion:Results indicated that the exercise does not reduce fatigue scores. But, considering the limited studies in this field, more studies need for final results.
 

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