Feasibility of an exercise intervention for women with postnatal depression: a pilot randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Exercise participation over the 12-week period was not significantly increased, possibly because it is difficult to motivate women with postnatal depression to exercise, or the intervention was not sufficiently intensive. Eligible patients were recruited into this study but response rates were low. Optimum methods of recruitment in this difficult-to-reach population are required prior to a substantive trial. Further research is imperative given poorly-evidenced recommendations by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to consider this treatment.