Effect of Exercise on Perinatal Depression



Status:Recruiting
Conditions:Depression, Depression, Women's Studies, Women's Studies
Therapuetic Areas:Psychiatry / Psychology, Reproductive
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - Any
Updated:11/17/2018
Start Date:February 23, 2017
End Date:October 2019
Contact:Beth Lewis
Email:blewis@umn.edu
Phone:612-625-0756

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Exercise Intervention for Preventing Perinatal Depression

Fifteen percent of women experience depression during pregnancy or postpartum (i.e.,
perinatal depression). Furthermore, 38% of low income women experience postpartum depression.
Given few women with perinatal depression seek treatment, there is a need for innovative, low
cost interventions that can be integrated within existing community-based programs serving
women in need (e.g., low income women). The primary aim of this study is to examine the
efficacy of a novel exercise intervention designed to prevent perinatal depression among
women attending federally qualified health centers serving high risk women.

Approximately 15% of women experience perinatal depression (depression during pregnancy or
postpartum). Furthermore, 38% of low income women experience postpartum depression
(Gree-Smith et al., 2012). Perinatal depression is associated with numerous maternal (e.g.,
weight retention), infant (e.g., poor infant-child bond), and lifespan (e.g., behavior
problems) consequences (Barker et al., 2011, Herring et al., 2008, Hipwell et al., 2000).
Psychosocial interventions are efficacious for perinatal depression; however, only 10% of
women seek treatment (Oppo et al., 2009). There is a need for innovative, low cost
interventions that can be integrated within existing community-based programs serving women
in need (e.g., low income women). Preliminary evidence indicates that exercise may be a
novel, efficacious intervention. The primary aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of
a novel exercise intervention designed to prevent perinatal depression among women attending
federally qualified health centers serving high risk women. Possible effects on gestational
weight gain and retention will also be explored. This study will build upon the study team's
previous work by recruiting low income women and integrating the intervention with
community-based clinics. Participants (n=200) who are low income and pregnant (less than 20
weeks) will be randomly assigned to either a telephone-based intervention that has been
previously shown to increase exercise among perinatal women (Lewis et al., 2011) or usual
care.

With regard to the primary aim, the investigators predict that participants randomized to the
exercise intervention will report fewer depressive symptoms (as measured by Edinburgh
Postnatal Depression Scale) at 36 weeks gestation and three months postpartum than women in
the usual care condition. The secondary aim is to examine the efficacy of an exercise
intervention on moderating prenatal weight gain and facilitating postpartum weight loss. The
investigators will also examine several potential mediators (e.g., depression coping,
self-efficacy, perceived stress, sleep, fatigue) and the effect of the exercise intervention
on maternal (e.g., hypertension, gestational diabetes, mode of delivery) and infant outcomes
(e.g., birth weight, gestational age at delivery, breastfeeding, safe sleep).

Inclusion Criteria:

- less than 20 weeks pregnant

- must speak English or Spanish

- willing to be randomly assigned to either of the two study arms

- healthcare provider consent

- access to a telephone (92% of low income women have access to a telephone and
Minnesota offers free phone access for low income individuals; Fasts, 2015)

- being at risk for depression (defined as having a history of depression) but are not
currently depressed.

- consistent with prior research, history of depression will be defined as ever being
told by a healthcare provider that she has depression and/or being prescribed an
antidepressant for depression.

Exclusion Criteria:

- less than 18 years of age

- currently exercising 60 or more minutes per week

- unable to exercise for 20 minutes continuously

- history of heart disease, lung disease, anemia, musculoskeletal problems (e.g.,
arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, or back, hip or knee pain that may interfere with
exercising), poorly controlled hypertension, seizure disorder, exercise induced
asthma, or any other medical condition that would make exercise unsafe

- taking medication that interferes with heart rate responses to exercise such as beta
blockers; participating in another exercise or weight management study

- another member of the household participating in the study

- currently receiving antidepressant medication or psychotherapy for depression; -
hospitalization for a psychiatric disorder during previous six months

- pregnant with multiple fetuses.

- participants depressed at the baseline assessment will be referred to their healthcare
provider.

- there will have a safety protocol in place for worsening symptoms of depression and
suicidal ideation
We found this trial at
1
site
420 Delaware Street Southeast
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
Phone: 612-625-0756
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Minneapolis, MN
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