Investigation the effectiveness of exercise and ergonomic modifications training programme on depression, disability and quality of life in postpartum women delivered by ceserean section

This study was planned to investigate the effectiveness of exercise and ergonomic modifications training programme on depression, disability and quality of life in postpartum women delivered by ceserean section. Thirty primiparous women delivered by cesarean section in the early postpartum period were divided into two groups as exercise and education group and control group. Six weeks training program, which includes strengthening exercises, postural exercises, breathing exercises, pelvic floor exercises and ergonomic modifications was explained in practise to women in exercise and ergonomic training group and the training booklet which was explained in detail to describe exercise and ergonomic modifications training were given. Routine postpartum nursing and medical care services were given to the control group. At the end of the sixth week, all participants were evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index, Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Postpartum Self-Evaluation Questionnaire and Postpartum Quality of Life Scale. Comparing between two groups, it was found that the levels of disability related to low back pain (p<0,001) and postpartum depression levels (p<0,001) were lower and the quality of life was higher in the training group than control group (p<0,001). The results of Postpartum Comfort Questionnaire (p<0,001) were higher in exercise and ergonomic education group than control group. The results of Postpartum Self-Evaluation Scale, the quality of the relationship between the spouses, the attitudes of the partners to attend the baby care, satisfaction with the birth experience, satisfaction with the survival and trust in coping with maternity tasks (all p's <0,001) were found statistically significant differences between the groups. There was no difference between the groups in terms of maternity and satisfaction with the newborn (p=0,838) and the support of family and friends for motherhood (p<0,744) which were the subscales of the Postpartum Self-Evaluation Scale. In conclusion exercise and ergonomic modification training programme in the early period after cesarean section reduces disability related to low back pain, postpartum depression increases the quality of life and postpartum comfort levels and improves maternity compliance. The results of our study contribute to the literature in terms of demonstrating the effects of both ergonomic training, which includes daily living activities modifications and exercise training, as well as being important for the clinicians working in this field. Key Words: Postpartum Rehabilitation, Ergonomic Training, Disability, Quality of Life, Postpartum Depression