The Effect of Physical Activity on Postpartum Depression: Literature Review

Background The incidence of postpartum depression in Indonesia is recorded at 22.4%. This issue requires special attention as postpartum depression can occur in approximately 10-15% of women and may negatively impact family relationships. Postpartum depression can be caused by various factors, including internal factors, physiological changes, and increased responsibilities. One therapy that can help reduce symptoms of depression is engaging in physical activities such as walking. Objective To review the literature on the effects of physical activity in reducing postpartum depression symptoms. Methods This article was written using a literature review method, with sources obtained from the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. The selected articles met the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria Results An analysis of seven articles from PubMed and ScienceDirect showed a significant effect of physical activity interventions in reducing EPDS scores in postpartum women. Conclusion Based on a literature review of seven articles, physical activity can improve the well-being of mothers experiencing postpartum depression.