Effects of a mobile data-based exercise intervention on postpartum depressive symptoms, maternal bonding, and infant crying: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effects of a mobile technology-delivered exercise intervention on postpartum depressive symptoms, mother-infant attachment, and infant crying behavior.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted between April 2024 and January 2025 with postpartum women registered at a primary health care center. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). The exercise group received an eight-week structured exercise program delivered via mobile technology, while the control group received routine postpartum care. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), mother-infant attachment was measured using the Maternal Attachment Scale (MAS), and infant crying behavior was evaluated using a crying diary. Measurements were obtained before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

The exercise group showed a significant reduction in EPDS scores and a significant increase in mother-infant attachment scores compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Effect sizes were moderate to large for depressive symptoms and large for mother-infant attachment. Infant crying outcomes favored the exercise group; however, between-group differences in total crying duration and the prevalence of excessive crying did not reach statistical significance. Higher post-intervention depressive symptom levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of excessive infant crying.

CONCLUSION

Mobile technology-based exercise interventions appear to be an effective and feasible approach for reducing postpartum depressive symptoms and strengthening mother-infant attachment. These interventions may serve as a complementary strategy in postpartum care, particularly within primary health care.