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Encouraging New Moms to Move More-Are We Missing the Mark? A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Exercise Interventions on Postpartum Physical Activity Levels and Cardiorespiratory Fitness.

Authors :
Schulz JM
Marmura H
Hewitt CM
Parkinson LJ
Thornton JS
Source :
The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy [J Orthop Sports Phys Ther] 2024 Nov; Vol. 54 (11), pp. 687-701.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine if current exercise interventions were effective at improving physical activity (PA) levels and/or cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in postpartum women. DESIGN: Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCH: CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus were searched from inception to March 2024. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Participants : postpartum women; intervention : exercise; control : standard care; outcomes : PA levels and/or CRF. DATA SYNTHESIS: Random effects meta-analysis using standardized mean differences (SMDs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies - Intervention (ROBINS-I). RESULTS: A total of 6041 studies were screened, and 29 were eligible for inclusion. Nineteen studies with adequate control data included outcomes related to PA levels (n = 12) or CRF (n = 7) and were pooled in meta-analyses. There was a small to moderate improvement in CRF (SMD, 0.65; 95% CI [confidence interval]: 0.20, 1.10; I <superscript>2</superscript> = 61%). There was no improvement in PA levels (SMD, -0.13; 95% CI: -0.53, 0.26; I <superscript>2</superscript> = 90%). Frequency, intensity, type, and time of the exercise interventions varied. Twenty-three studies were at high or serious risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Postpartum exercise interventions may improve CRF but have an unclear effect on PA levels. Despite numerous exercise interventions to improve health outcomes postpartum, parameters were inconsistent. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(11):687-701. Epub 9 October 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12666 .

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1938-1344
Volume :
54
Issue :
11
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
39482936
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2024.12666