Postnatal Weight Management: A Review of Physical Activity Interventions
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Physical Activity Interventions for Postnatal Weight Management: A Systematic Literature Review
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Siti Zuhaidah Shahadan, Siti Juliana A. Rahman, Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad Ismail, Nurvita Risdiana
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Physical Activity Interventions for Postnatal Weight Management: A Systematic Literature Review
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.6.5
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Postnatal weight retention (PWR) is a growing concern worldwide, as it contributes to long-term obesity and related health complications for women after childbirth. Several factors, including high body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy and excessive weight gain, vary widely among postpartum women, leading to significant differences in PWR. Effective strategies to mitigate PWR often involve a combination of balanced nutrition and increased physical activity (PA). This review aims to analyze existing literature on PA interventions specifically targeting weight management in postnatal women, particularly in Malaysia, where such evidence remains scarce.
Walking, Yoga, and Pilates: The Preferred Physical Activities
The systematic review identified walking, yoga, and Pilates as the most appropriate and preferred forms of physical activity for postnatal weight management. Walking interventions—often framed as achieving 10,000 steps daily—demonstrated small yet statistically significant impacts on weight loss. While yoga and Pilates provided benefits in terms of flexibility, strengthening, and overall well-being, the effects on weight management were less pronounced, although still notable. The review highlighted low adherence rates in some PA programs as a challenge, pointing to factors such as time constraints and the need for social support to enhance compliance. Nonetheless, when properly administered with a structured format that includes follow-up mechanisms and social support systems, these interventions can notably assist postnatal women in managing their weight effectively.
Conclusion
In summary, this review underscores the importance of regular physical activity, particularly walking, yoga, and Pilates, in addressing postnatal weight retention among women. Although the effects on weight management were modest, they were beneficial and warrant further exploration in larger-scale studies to strengthen these findings. Implementing supportive structures around these PA interventions could enhance adherence and ultimately improve outcomes for women in the postnatal period. Moving forward, there is a critical need for more comprehensive and robust trials to validate and expand upon these initial findings to establish clear clinical guidelines for postnatal weight management strategies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the main findings regarding physical activity interventions for postnatal women?
The review found that physical activity interventions, including walking, yoga, and Pilates, have a small yet significant effect on managing weight in postnatal women. Most studies indicated these activities effectively reduced body mass index.
What are the preferred types of physical activity for postnatal women?
Walking, yoga, and Pilates were identified as the most appropriate and preferred types of physical activity interventions for postnatal women. These activities cater to their needs and can be easily integrated into their routine.
How were the articles selected for this systematic review?
A systematic literature search was conducted using databases like ProQuest and PubMed. Articles were included if they involved physical activity interventions for postnatal women, involved randomized controlled trials, and had weight outcomes measured after at least 10 weeks.
What challenges do postnatal women face regarding physical activity participation?
Postnatal women often struggle with time constraints due to newborn care, which may hinder their engagement in physical activity. Factors like fatigue and lack of social support also contribute to lower participation rates in these interventions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Postnatal Weight Management: A Review of Physical Activity Interventions”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
A systematic review compiles findings from multiple studies to assess physical activity interventions' effectiveness for postnatal women. In this context, studies provide evidence supporting specific activities like walking, yoga, and Pilates. Author-led reviews and randomized controlled trials help establish reliable data for postnatal weight management guidelines.
2) Activity:
Physical activity refers to movement that requires energy expenditure. In this review, physical activity interventions included structured programs like walking, yoga, and Pilates specifically targeted for postnatal women. These activities aim to promote weight management and minimize postnatal weight retention, ultimately reducing obesity-related health risks.
3) Table:
The table presents key data about the interventions reviewed, listing study characteristics, participant demographics, and outcomes. Tables are integral for summarizing complex information clearly and concisely, making it easier for readers to compare different studies. They facilitate understanding of the effectiveness of various interventions on postnatal women's weight.
4) Yoga:
Yoga is a form of physical activity that incorporates strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. In the context of postnatal weight management, yoga is promoted for its potential benefits in improving physical fitness and mental well-being. This review highlights yoga's effectiveness, where it could help women manage postnatal weight.
5) Quality:
Quality in research pertains to the validity and reliability of study findings. In the reviewed studies, quality assessments were performed using tools like the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Evaluating research quality helps determine how confidently one can apply findings to clinical practice, especially concerning postnatal women's physical activity.
6) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the methods used to quantify outcomes such as weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and physical activity levels. Accurate measurement is critical to gauge the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing postnatal weight retention, thus providing reliable data for future research and clinical guidelines.
7) Diet:
Diet encompasses nutritional intake that can significantly affect postnatal weight management. Although the review focuses on physical activity interventions, dietary factors are often interlinked with exercise programs. Understanding the role of diet alongside physical activity is essential for comprehensive strategies targeting healthy postnatal weight outcomes.
8) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological interventions involve medications or drugs aimed at managing health conditions. The review expressly excluded studies integrating pharmacological management in postnatal women to focus solely on physical activity. This distinction emphasizes non-drug methods for weight management, highlighting the need for lifestyle interventions in postnatal care.
9) Reason:
Reasoning refers to the rationale behind choosing specific physical activity interventions for postnatal women. Understandably, the review assesses why certain activities are effective for managing weight retention and the influences on adherence, considering factors such as social support and the unique circumstances faced by postnatal mothers.
10) Post:
Post pertains to the period following childbirth. The systematic review specifically targets interventions suitable for women during the 'postnatal' phase, during which physical activity can be crucial for managing weight retention and reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions, benefiting both mothers and their newborns.
11) Life:
Life, in this context, refers to quality of life and lifestyle factors impacting postnatal women. Exercise and physical activity contribute positively to mental and physical health, enhancing overall life quality during postnatal stages. Understanding life challenges post-birth can guide effective interventions supporting women's health.
12) Depression:
Depression is a significant concern for new mothers, often linked with weight management challenges. This review implies that physical activity may alleviate postpartum depression symptoms by promoting mental health. Thus, integrating mental wellness strategies alongside weight management programs presents a holistic approach to supporting postnatal women's health.
13) Training:
Training encompasses structured physical activity designed to improve fitness. The review evaluates various training programs, including walking and yoga, for their effectiveness in aiding postnatal weight management. Proper training methods are essential for optimizing outcomes, facilitating adherence, and ensuring safety for postpartum women engaging in these interventions.
14) Greece:
Greece is one of the countries represented in the systematic review, where one of the included studies originated. Including diverse international contexts enriches the data pool, providing insights into how culturally specific physical activities, such as those implemented in Greece, impact postnatal women’s health and weight management.
15) Rules:
Rules refer to the guidelines or protocols set forth for conducting the studies included in the review. These rules establish standards for participant inclusion, intervention protocols, and outcome measures, ensuring consistency and quality in the evidence gathered, which is essential for forming sound clinical practices.
16) Hand:
Hand refers to the methods employed by researchers, including personal interactions such as coaching or guidance, while implementing physical activity interventions. Such hands-on techniques often enhance adherence and effectiveness by providing necessary encouragement and instruction to postnatal women as they navigate their exercise programs.
17) Ter:
Ther likely alludes to therapy or therapeutic activities like yoga or Pilates, which not only have physical but also mental health benefits. Therapeutic approaches are essential components of holistic interventions aimed at managing postnatal weight while supporting emotional well-being and recovery during the postpartum period.
18) Meditation:
Meditation is a mental practice often integrated within yoga training, promoting mindfulness and stress relief. While the review predominantly focuses on physical activity, incorporating meditation can further enhance mental health outcomes for postnatal women, potentially improving their weight management strategies through increased emotional resilience.
19) Education:
Education, particularly health education, is vital in informing postnatal women about the importance of physical activity for weight management. The review highlights the role of educational components in enhancing women’s participation in the interventions and ensuring they understand the benefits of maintaining a healthy postpartum lifestyle.
20) Language:
Language plays a critical role in the dissemination of research findings. Clear and appropriate communication ensures that the outcomes of the systematic review are understandable to health professionals and postnatal women, thereby encouraging the adoption of evidence-based practices for managing postnatal weight.
21) Relative:
Relative considerations are essential in evaluating the findings of physical activity interventions. This refers to understanding the specific contexts and individual circumstances of postnatal women. Factors like cultural background or personal situations can influence the effectiveness and preference for particular interventions in managing postpartum weight.
22) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to the condition before childbirth, with implications for weight management strategies utilized in the postnatal period. Understanding the relationship between pregnancy, weight gain, and postpartum outcomes is crucial for developing effective interventions tailored for women in their transitioning post-pregnancy phase.
23) Disease:
Disease refers to health conditions related to obesity and weight retention that can negatively impact postnatal women. The review implies that effective physical activity interventions can reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases, thereby improving overall health outcomes for mothers and their families.
24) Family:
Family support is instrumental in encouraging postnatal women to engage in physical activity. The review suggests that involving family members in physical activity interventions may enhance adherence and motivation levels, ultimately leading to better weight management outcomes for new mothers navigating the postnatal period.
25) Cina:
China is referenced as part of the geographical diversity of studies included in the review. Including various cultural backgrounds like China examines how culturally specific approaches to physical activity can yield insights that inform global practices for effective weight management interventions targeting postnatal women.
26) Vega:
Vega relates to one of the authors or studies referenced within the systematic review focusing on postpartum interventions. Recognizing contributions from various researchers highlights the collaborative effort required in understanding and improving health practices for postnatal women across diverse populations.
27) Pur:
Poor refers to suboptimal adherence and engagement rates observed in some studies, which can hinder the effectiveness of physical activity interventions. Understanding the barriers leading to poor participation informs future program design, ensuring better support structures are established to promote sustained engagement among postnatal women.