The Effectiveness of an Online Exercise Program on Physical Activity and Quality of Life of Postpartum Women: Quasi-Experimental Study

AIM: Physical activity is essential for well-being across the lifespan, yet it tends to decrease during pregnancy and remains low postpartum. While digital health interventions have shown success in perinatal care, their effectiveness in promoting postpartum physical activity remains uncertain. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of a 6-week online exercise program (intervention) on self-assessed physical activity and quality of life of postpartum women. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental, pre- and posttest design without a control group was used. The participants ( n = 144) took part in an intervention that aimed to strengthen the core and pelvic floor muscles in order to enhance recovery and well-being after pregnancy and childbirth. METHODS: Data were collected with e-questionnaires at the baseline, immediately after, and 6 months after the intervention. The outcomes assessed were physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form) and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief). RESULTS: After the intervention, the amount of physical activity increased while sitting time decreased. A statistically significant increase in mean scores was found in the physical health domain of quality of life. Six months after the intervention, the amount of physical activity increased, and sitting time decreased compared with the baseline. Statistically significant changes in the quality of life domains’ mean scores were not found 6 months after the intervention. CONCLUSION: This intervention seems to be effective in increasing postpartum women’s physical activity, and it can be recommended. However, if the goal is to enhance the overall quality of life, some other interventions and actions must be considered as well.