Postpartum Exercise And Behavioral Health Intervention Influence On Neuromuscular Function And Quality Of Life

PURPOSE: The postpartum period is associated with changes in both physical and mental health. This pilot feasibility study evaluated the influence of an 8-week group wellness intervention—which combined exercise with a behavioral health intervention—on neuromuscular function and quality of life. METHODS: Females who had given birth within the last 2 years participated in a once-a-week group exercise session (~45 minutes) followed by a group behavioral health intervention (~45 minutes) for 8 weeks. Lower extremity maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength was assessed pre- and post-intervention with an active straight leg raise task via a custom-made load cell-instrumented strength testing device. Fatigability of the lumbopelvic muscles was assessed pre-and post-intervention with the Active Straight Leg Raise (ASLR) Fatigue Task and quantified as time-to-task failure (TTF). Quality of life was assessed pre- and post-intervention with the SF-20 and reported as a summary score on a scale of 0-100%. Paired samples t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention data. RESULTS: Seven females completed pre- and post-intervention testing. While group means for neuromuscular function did not demonstrate statistically significant changes (MVC p = 0.058, TTF p = 0.088) with such a small sample size, 4/7 participants demonstrated improvements in lower extremity strength and TTF increased in 6/7 participants. Overall quality of life improved significantly (70.8 ± 4.2% vs 74.1 ± 4.8%, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: An exercise intervention combined with a behavioral health intervention in a group setting may improve neuromuscular function and quality of life in postpartum females. However, further research in a larger, randomized trial with a control condition is needed to determine the true magnitude of impact.Waukesha County Women and Girls Fund Grant; Carroll University Faculty Development Grant