Exercise therapy in mental health of pregnant women. A systematic review.

  • Angela Bruquet-Domínguez
  • Alejandra Alonso Calvete Facultad de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Vigo
  • María López-Pais
  • Daniel Tomé-Lage
  • Yoana González-González
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33155/ramd.v18i1.1219
Keywords: salud mental, embarazo, ejercicio terapéutico mental health, pregnancy, therapeutic exercise saúde mental, gravidez, exercício terapêutico

Abstract

Aim: Pregnancy involves significant physical and emotional changes that can affect a woman's mental health, with disorders such as anxiety, stress, and depression being common. The aim of this study was to review the existing literature to analyze the impact of therapeutic exercise on the mental health of pregnant women.
Methodology: A literature review was conducted using the scientific databases PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. Articles published in the last 10 years in either Spanish or English were selected for review.
Results: Seven articles met the eligibility criteria. The selected studies employed various therapeutic exercise interventions, including exercise programs, yoga, and mindfulness practice. The main variables analyzed were quality of life, anxiety, and depression.
Conclusion: Therapeutic exercise appears to have positive effects in reducing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression in pregnant women.
Keywords: mental health; pregnancy; therapeutic exercise

Published
2025-12-16
Issue
Vol. 18 No. 1 (2025): March 2025
Section
Revisiones
DOI
https://doi.org/10.33155/ramd.v18i1.1219