The relationship between Lynchburg area OB-GYN physician exercise recommendations, physical activity status, and depression in postpartum women.
Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Open Access
Presentation Type
Digital poster
Entry Number
2359
Start Date
4-16-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2025 1:15 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Exercise Physiology
Keywords
Exercise, Postpartum, Depression
Abstract
Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts maternal well-being and infant care, necessitating effective and accessible interventions. This study examines the role of physical activity as a potential therapeutic modality for PPD, addressing the current gap in the routine integration of exercise recommendations within obstetric care. Specifically, this research investigates the provision of exercise guidance by Lynchburg area OB-GYN physicians to pregnant and postpartum patients, assesses the current physical activity levels of postpartum mothers, and explores the correlation between maternal mental health and overall mood. We hypothesize that OB-GYN recommendations on exercise will lead to a positive correlation between regular physical activity and reduced PPD symptoms, supporting the integration of exercise into standard postpartum care protocols. This research aims to provide actionable recommendations for healthcare providers, emphasizing the benefits of physical activity as a holistic approach to PPD management.
Methods: This study will collect primary data through a survey administered to postpartum women within 1 year of birth and treated within the Lynchburg area OB-GYN physician network. The surveys will capture demographic information (age, ethnicity, county, delivery type, bed rest history, and trimester if bed rested) self-reported physical activity patterns (frequency, duration) OB-GYN physician provision of exercise recommendations (Yes or No), and Perceived Stress Scale.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jeffrey Herrick Dr. Price Blair Dr. Virginia Cylke
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Exercise Physiology Physical Therapy/ Westover Psychology
Rights Statement
The right to download or print any portion of this material is granted by the copyright owner only for personal or educational use. The author/creator retains all proprietary rights, including copyright ownership. Any editing, other reproduction or other use of this material by any means requires the express written permission of the copyright owner. Except as provided above, or for any other use that is allowed by fair use (Title 17, §107 U.S.C.), you may not reproduce, republish, post, transmit or distribute any material from this web site in any physical or digital form without the permission of the copyright owner of the material.
The relationship between Lynchburg area OB-GYN physician exercise recommendations, physical activity status, and depression in postpartum women.
Turner Gymnasium
Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts maternal well-being and infant care, necessitating effective and accessible interventions. This study examines the role of physical activity as a potential therapeutic modality for PPD, addressing the current gap in the routine integration of exercise recommendations within obstetric care. Specifically, this research investigates the provision of exercise guidance by Lynchburg area OB-GYN physicians to pregnant and postpartum patients, assesses the current physical activity levels of postpartum mothers, and explores the correlation between maternal mental health and overall mood. We hypothesize that OB-GYN recommendations on exercise will lead to a positive correlation between regular physical activity and reduced PPD symptoms, supporting the integration of exercise into standard postpartum care protocols. This research aims to provide actionable recommendations for healthcare providers, emphasizing the benefits of physical activity as a holistic approach to PPD management.
Methods: This study will collect primary data through a survey administered to postpartum women within 1 year of birth and treated within the Lynchburg area OB-GYN physician network. The surveys will capture demographic information (age, ethnicity, county, delivery type, bed rest history, and trimester if bed rested) self-reported physical activity patterns (frequency, duration) OB-GYN physician provision of exercise recommendations (Yes or No), and Perceived Stress Scale.