Investigation of the effectiveness of multimodal exercise based telerehabilitation on psychosocial factors in postpartum women

Objective: The aim of this study is to provide multimodal exercise-based telerehabilitation and standard postpartum period and physical activity training in postpartum women; to examine the effects on physical activity level, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life and psychosocial symptoms and compare the groups. Method: 58 women with a mean age of 29.65±4.44 years were included in the study. The women consisted of the intervention (group 1, n:29) and control (group 2, n:29) groups. Group 1 and group 2 were trained, and walking exercise was recommended gradually, reaching 30 minutes a day and 4 days a week. Group 1 also underwent multimodal exercise-based telerehabilitation with online videoconferencing method for 8 weeks, 2 days a week. This program included posture exercises, pilates, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation exercises and pelvic floor awareness training. Evaluation included Kaiser Physical Activity Questionnaire for physical activity level, Fatigue Severity Scale for fatigue and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, World Health Organization Short Form of Quality of Life Scale for quality of life, Brief Symptom Inventory for psychological status, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression for depression. It had scale. All assessments were made at baseline and at the end of week 8. Results: According to this study, multimodal exercise-based telerehabilitation was effective in increasing physical activity level, reducing fatigue and improving psychological state in postpartum women. In addition, only the physical activity level increased in women who were offered training and walking. The determined exercise program applied with the telerehabilitation method can be used as a suitable option in the postpartum period. Conclusion: According to this study, multimodal exercise-based telerehabilitation was effective in increasing physical activity level, reducing fatigue and improving psychological state in postpartum women. In addition, only the physical activity level increased in women who were offered training and walking. The determined exercise program applied with the telerehabilitation method can be used as a suitable option in the postpartum period. Keywords: postpartum, psychosocial, physical activity, exercise, telerehabilitation