The effect of postpartum exercise on mothers' quality of life

Abstract

Introduction: In postpartum period, mothers are exposed to some potential complications that harm their health. Therefore, extra cares for promoting their health are necessary. Encouragement of mother to exercise and support her in this regard is one of the efficient health care interventions, but its effect on postpartum health status of mother has not been assessed yet.

Methods: This was a prospective quasi-experimental study that covered 62 women divided into two groups. Intervention group included mothers exercising in postpartum period while control group included those not. The subjects were selected by convenience sampling method. The data were collected through questionnaires. The data were analyzed with SPSS.

Results: In six weeks after childbirth, the mean scores of general, social and psychological health status of intervention group were significantly higher than those in control group. There were significant differences between the two groups (P<0.001, P=0.01 and P=0.005, respectively). But, there was no significant difference in physical health status between the two groups (P=0.082). Subscales were significantly higher in intervention group. Two groups were matched in demographic variables.

Conclusion: The health status of intervention group was better than that in control group.  Therefore, instruction and encouragement of mothers to do postpartum exercise and support them in this track is beneficial to mothers' health and their qualities of life.