The favourable association of self-reported physical fitness with depression and anxiety during pregnancy. The GESTAFIT project.
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.HighlightsMaternal 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.
['Marín-Jiménez|Nuria|N|0000-0002-0687-7554', 'Castro-Piñero|José|J|0000-0002-7353-0382', 'Rodríguez-Ayllón|María|M|0000-0002-8267-0440', 'Marchán-Rubio|Alba|A|', 'Delgado-Fernández|Manuel|M|0000-0003-0636-9258', 'Aparicio|Virginia A|VA|0000-0002-2867-378X']
international fitness scale gestation cardiorespiratory fitness strength Mental health agility