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Liang IJ. The wonders of mind-body practices during pregnancy: A topical review. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 63:486-491. [PMID: 39004474 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This topical review provides an up-to-date overview of the latest advancements in mind-body therapies in the gynaecological research field. It explores the various mind-body practices and their multifaceted benefits for expectant mothers during the transformative phase of pregnancy, including physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. The research highlights the importance of these practices in promoting maternal and fetal well-being. Prenatal yoga is found to enhance physical health, reduce discomfort, and lower stress and anxiety levels, potentially leading to shorter labour durations. Meditation is revealed to reduce stress and anxiety while nurturing emotional resilience. Prenatal Pilates improves musculoskeletal health and prepares mothers for labour, emphasising controlled movements and breathing techniques. Breathing techniques prove to be helpful for pregnant women in effectively managing pain during labour. Acupressure and reflexology offer non-pharmacological pain relief for common discomforts. Tai Chi improves physical fitness, flexibility, and mental well-being. This brief review, using evidence available from pre-clinical studies in physiological gynaecology literature, demonstrates the role of mind-body practices in enhancing the pregnancy journey, emphasising their integration into daily routines to contribute to overall well-being. By selecting the right practice or combination, expectant mothers can experience an overall better pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian-Ju Liang
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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Manca A, Meloni M, Ventura L, Consoli G, Fenu S, Mura G, Deriu F, Cugusi L. Dose-Response Effects on LBP, Sleep, and Depression of Online Pre-Partum and Post-Partum Pilates-Based Programs. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38837186 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2024.2340047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Purpose: Pilates-based programs can help pregnant women deal with the physical and psychological burden derived by major changes in their body. This study was designed to primarily test, in pregnant women, the dose-response and health effects of both pre-partum and post-partum, online Pilates-based program on weight control, low back pain (LBP) severity, sleep disturbances, mood and depression levels. Methods: A total of 136 pregnant women were screened for eligibility (low-risk pregnancy; aged 18-45 years; single pregnancy; 20-28-week gestational age, normal BMI). Participants completed an online Pilates-based program during pregnancy and after delivery, through an online platform guided by a Pilates, Yoga and Lagree certified instructor. Main outcomes (weight control, LBP disability, sleep quality, mood, and mental health) were assessed at baseline and at the completion of pre- and post-partum programs. Results: Regarding pre-partum, significant gains in weight were observed only in low- and intermediate-amount exercisers. Only high-amount exercisers did not display significant increase in LBP-related disability (+42.7%; p = .21) unlike low (+12.2%; p < .0001) and intermediate exercisers (+9.6%; p < .0001). Sleep disturbances increased significantly in low- (+24.3%; p = .005) but not in intermediate- (+4.6%; p = .50) and high-amount exercisers (-0.1%; p = .91). Regardless of the amount of exercise, depression scores improved in all groups. Following post-partum intervention (n = 40), only intermediate-amount exercisers showed significant reductions in sleep disturbances (-24.1%; p = .003) and depression (15.9%; p = .04). Conclusions: Approximately 270 min/week of an online Pilates-based program were needed to prevent LBP worsening, and sleep deterioration in pregnant women. A different pattern was outlined for those women resuming the Pilates-based intervention at post-partum, with 150 min/week emerging as the "dose" of exercise capable of inducing the largest improvements in LBP, sleep, and mood disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - F Deriu
- University of Sassari
- AOU Sassari, Unit of Endocrinology, Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders
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Hwang DJ, Cho JY, Hyun AH. Contactless exercise intervention in prenatal and postnatal period during COVID-19 lowers the risk of postpartum depression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9780. [PMID: 38684812 PMCID: PMC11058814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial adverse impact on the physical and mental health of pregnant and postpartum women, thereby increasing the risk of postpartum depression (PPD). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a continuous contactless exercise intervention in reducing the risk of depression during the prenatal and postnatal periods. The study utilized an interactive contactless exercise program consisting of Pilates movement over a 16-week period, with 8 weeks during pregnancy and 8 weeks after childbirth. Metabolic and psychological factors related to postpartum depression, including pain, stress, and stress-response markers, were analyzed. The results showed that the exercise intervention significantly alleviated postpartum depression by improving pain (Oswestry Disability Index: Non-exercise, 11.4 ± 14.8 versus Exercise, - 63.1 ± 18.4, p < .001) and stress factors (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: Non-exercise, 8.8 ± 8.72 versus Exercise, - 37.6 ± 9.13, p < .001; Perceived Stress Scale: Non-exercise, 9.21 ± 9.35 versus Exercise, - 20.7 ± 14.4, p < .001) caused by physical/structural imbalances in postpartum women. Additionally, the intervention improved the metabolic imbalances commonly observed after childbirth, including reductions in triglyceride (Interaction effect, p = .017), insulin (Interaction effect, p = .032), and cortisol levels (Interaction effect, p < .001), which are recognized risk factors for postpartum depression. Taken together, these findings suggest that contactless online exercise interventions can mitigate postpartum depression by addressing metabolic dysregulation that frequently occurs after delivery, especially in situations of social isolation caused by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Joo Hwang
- Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, Korea National Sport University, Seoul, Korea
- Sport Science Institute, Korea National Sport University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon-Yong Cho
- Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, Korea National Sport University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ah-Hyun Hyun
- Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, Korea National Sport University, Seoul, Korea.
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Sánchez-Polán M, Nagpal TS, Zhang D, Silva-Jose C, Montejo R, Barakat R. The Influence of Physical Activity during Pregnancy on Maternal Pain and Discomfort: A Meta-Analysis. J Pers Med 2023; 14:44. [PMID: 38248744 PMCID: PMC10817295 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women may experience pain and discomfort during pregnancy, especially in areas such as the lower back and pelvic girdle. Pain in pregnancy is associated with poor quality of life, and because it is a common occurrence, pregnant women may be offered several resources to prevent discomforts throughout pregnancy, such as engaging in physical activity. This study was a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (prospectively registered in Prospero, registration number: CRD42023451320) aimed to assess the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on maternal pain and discomfort. We analysed 16 randomised clinical trials. The results of these analyses indicate that women who performed physical activity had significantly less intensity of pain (z = <2.69, p = <0.007; SMD = -0.66, 95% CI = -1.13, -0.18, I2 = <91%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001) and a reduction observed in the disability questionnaire (z = <2.37, p = <0.02; SMD = -0.80, 95% CI = -1.47, -0.14, I2 = <91%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001), and overall reduced general pain (z = <3.87, p = <0.001; SMD = -0.56, 95% CI = -0.84, -0.27, I2 = <86%, Pheterogeneity = <0.001) than women who did not practice physical activity during pregnancy. In conclusion, physical activity during pregnancy could effectively help to diminish pain intensity, reduce disability due to pain, and generally reduce pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Sánchez-Polán
- AFIPE Research Group, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.-P.); (D.Z.); (C.S.-J.)
| | - Taniya S. Nagpal
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Dingfeng Zhang
- AFIPE Research Group, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.-P.); (D.Z.); (C.S.-J.)
| | - Cristina Silva-Jose
- AFIPE Research Group, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.-P.); (D.Z.); (C.S.-J.)
| | - Rocío Montejo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rubén Barakat
- AFIPE Research Group, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.S.-P.); (D.Z.); (C.S.-J.)
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Lackovic M, Jankovic M, Mihajlovic S, Milovanovic Z, Nikolic D. Exploring the Connection between Migraines and Pregnancy: The Impact of Physical Activity on Symptom Management. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 60:49. [PMID: 38256310 PMCID: PMC10820455 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder that significantly impacts the quality of life for affected individuals. The pathogenesis behind migraines is not yet fully understood, but hormonal changes, especially fluctuations in, estrogen and progesterone levels, have a significant role in the susceptibility of women to migraines. Pregnancy introduces a unique set of challenges for women who experience migraines, as they must navigate the complexities of managing their condition while safeguarding the health of both them and their unborn child. Pharmacological options for treating migraines during pregnancy are limited, and, therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative approaches to migraine symptom relief and management. Physical activity during pregnancy provides a range of benefits, and it has gained attention as a potentially valuable tool for alleviating migraine symptoms in pregnant patients. This review explores the intricate relationship between migraines and pregnancy, emphasizing how physical activity and other alternative approaches may influence the frequency, severity, and overall experience of migraines during pregnancy. Through collaboration with healthcare providers and the adoption of personalized management strategies, women can strike a balance that supports both their own well-being and the healthy development of their unborn child. By examining existing research and emerging insights, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and considerations of incorporating physical activity and other treatment options into migraine management strategies for pregnant women. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms linking migraines, pregnancy, and physical activity, enabling the development of more targeted interventions and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Lackovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital “Dragisa Misovic”, Milana Tepica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Milena Jankovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.J.); (Z.M.)
- Neurology Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sladjana Mihajlovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital “Dragisa Misovic”, Milana Tepica 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.L.); (S.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.J.); (Z.M.)
| | - Zagorka Milovanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.J.); (Z.M.)
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics “Narodni Front”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.J.); (Z.M.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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