A study to compare the effects of aerobic exercises and yoga on depression and maternal anxiety orienting among primiparous women

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Primiparous women undergo stages of depression or anxiety during pregnancy especially the risk of preterm birth, breast-feeding problems and disruption of the mother-infant attachment. It is a most common psychiatric disorder and is associated with a greater risk of low fetal quality, Pregnancy complication and developmental disorder of the child. During pregnancy 10-15% women were affected with depression and the incidence increases in low economic status. It is associated with greater risk of prenatal and perinatal complication. In recent years the physical therapy is associated with psychological health in pregnant women. Physical activity during pregnancy is more beneficial to the maternal fetal unit and it may prevent recurrence of maternal disorders. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on depression and maternal anxiety orienting among primiparous women. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted with 30 subjects at ACS Medical College and Hospital, from January 2018 to March 2018. The outcome measures of CES-D scale were used to assess the severity of depression and anxiety. Group A received Aerobic exercise for 30 minutes initially started with warm up for 10 minutes and followed by 10 minutes stretching and 10 minutes relaxation. Group B received yoga for 20 minutes up to 3 months. The treatment duration was followed from the 16 to 20 weeks of gestation for 3 months. Results: On comparing the mean values of group A and group B on centre for epidemiological studies depression scale score, it showed significant decrease in the post test mean values of group A (24.60) and group B (24.40) at P ≤ 0.001. Hence both the groups were equally effective in decreasing the depression and maternal anxiety among primiparous women. Conclusion: This study concluded that the aerobic and yoga showed significant effect in both groups for reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety among primiparous women.