1. The favourable association of self-reported physical fitness with depression and anxiety during pregnancy. The GESTAFIT project.
- Author
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Marín-Jiménez, Nuria, Castro-Piñero, José, Rodríguez-Ayllón, María, Marchán-Rubio, Alba, Delgado-Fernández, Manuel, and Aparicio, Virginia A.
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PREVENTION of mental depression , *MENTAL depression risk factors , *SELF-evaluation , *CARDIOPULMONARY fitness , *PHYSICAL fitness , *MENTAL health , *RISK assessment , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *ANXIETY , *MOTOR ability , *PSYCHOSOCIAL factors , *PREGNANCY ,ANXIETY prevention - Abstract
We explored the association of self-reported physical fitness with depressive symptoms and anxiety levels during pregnancy. One hundred fifty-five pregnant women (32.9 ± 4.7 years old) participated in the study. Self-reported physical fitness was assessed with the International Fitness Scale, depressive symptoms and state anxiety levels with the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale and the State Trait Anxiety Index, respectively, at the 16 and 34 weeks of gestation. In model 1 (adjusted for age and gestational weight gain), greater overall self-reported physical fitness was associated with fewer depressive symptoms at the 16 weeks (p =.004). Greater self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength were associated with lower anxiety levels at the 16 weeks (all, p >.05). Greater overall self-reported physical fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility were associated with lower anxiety levels at the 34 weeks (all, p >.05). These results were also confirmed in model 2 (additionally adjusted for the exercise intervention, sleep quality, educational level, working status and cohabitating), except for cardiorespiratory fitness and anxiety levels at the 16 weeks (p =.09). Greater self-reported physical fitness was associated with lower psychological ill-being during pregnancy. Specifically, at the 16 weeks, greater self-reported overall physical fitness was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, greater self-reported muscular strength with lower anxiety levels; greater self-reported overall physical fitness and speed-agility with lower anxiety levels at the 34 weeks and greater self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness with lower anxiety levels during the pregnancy. Screening of physical fitness may reduce the risk of depression and anxiety and generally improve pregnancy mental health-related quality of life. Highlights Maternal depression and anxiety have prevalence rates between 8 and 36%. Physical fitness enhancement during pregnancy results in less depression and anxiety. Greater physical fitness may provide benefits for the mother mental health. Self-reported physical fitness screening during pregnancy may be useful in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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