369; Physical Activity and Perinatal Mental Health in?Women: A Global Umbrella Review and Meta-Meta-Analysis

Abstract

EP2.4, e-Poster Terminal 2, September 4, 2025, 11:35 - 12:55

Introduction

Worldwide, around one tenth of pregnant women and even more postpartum women experience a mental health problem. Research indicates that physical activity may positively impact perinatal mental health. In recent years, numerous systematic reviews on this topic have been published; however, they have yielded heterogeneous results. Therefore, this umbrella review aims to provide policy and practice with comprehensive evidence on the effect of physical activity interventions on perinatal mental health.

Methods

9 databases were searched for systematic reviews with meta-analysis published in the past ten years and focusing on physical activity interventions for perinatal depression and/or anxiety in women. Two authors screened records, extracted data, and conducted the risk of bias assessment (AMSTAR-2). The degree of overlap of primary studies in the reviews was assessed using the Corrected Covered Area approach. Certainty of Evidence was assessed with GRADE. Prospero: CRD42024538941

Results

A total of 3,898 studies were retrieved and 19 systematic reviews with meta-analyses were included. The results of the meta-meta-analysis suggest that physical activity has a positive effect on depressive symptoms in the perinatal period (SMD: -0.46; 95%-CI: -0.70; -0.21). This effect is observed across different physical activity intensities and particularly for yoga and mixed activity. Certainty of evidence was graded ‘moderate’. More research on physical activity and perinatal anxiety is needed. Our findings also highlight the need for a greater focus on the needs of underserved communities to ensure equitable interventions for perinatal mental health.

Conclusion

Physical activity interventions may have a moderately positive effect on women’s perinatal mental health, particularly perinatal depressive symptoms. Their low-threshold nature makes them easy to access, implement, and adjust to the needs of diverse communities. Physical activity should be included in perinatal clinical guidelines as a measure to promote mental health during this crucial period in the life course.