NCT04414696

Postpartum Wellness

Preventing Postpartum Depression: Exercise as Medicine

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 99 (actual)
• Sponsor: Kaiser Permanente · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to test whether a web-based (eHealth) exercise intervention for new moms at increased risk for postpartum depression increases physical activity and decreases postpartum depression symptoms.

Detailed description

Postpartum depression is a debilitating and costly condition that is associated with significant health consequences for mothers and children. Counseling for prevention of postpartum depression is currently recommended in women at high risk of postpartum depression; however, there is a shortage of mental health care providers. There is a need for effective interventions to prevent postpartum depression that can be easily integrated into health care systems, yet do not involve intense health care system resources. eHealth interventions are promising in this regard. Strong evidence suggests physical activity can reduce depression risk. This study will assess the effectiveness of an eHealth exercise intervention tailored to postpartum mothers for increasing physical activity levels and improving depressive symptoms in women at increased risk of postpartum depression. This intervention addresses several identified barriers to physical activity in postpartum women. The study will randomize 200 women to receive an eHealth exercise intervention for postpartum women or usual postpartum care. Device-based physical activity and depressive symptoms will be measured at 3 and 6 months after randomization.

Conditions

• Postpartum Depression

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Exercise intervention	eHealth exercise intervention for postpartum women at increased risk of depression

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-11-19
• Primary completion: 2022-12-13
• Completion: 2023-05-01
• First posted: 2020-06-04
• Last updated: 2025-08-17
• Results posted: 2025-08-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States