Influence of a relaxation session and an exercise class on emotional states in pregnant women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare changes in state anxiety and mood dimensions in pregnant women after a session of physical exercise and relaxation. Methods: This study used a quantitative comparative design to compare two groups of pregnant women aged 22–38 years: (1) 46 women participated in physical exercise for pregnant women and (2) 46 women participated in relaxation session. Emotional states were assessed with the UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. The measurement of emotional states was done immediately before and after the classes. Results: The main time effect was observed in all emotional states assessed: the level of state anxiety and tension arousal decreased and the level of hedonic tone and energetic arousal increased. The main group effect was significant only for energetic arousal (higher level in the exercise group). Analysis within the groups found significant time effect for energetic arousal only in the exercise group. Conclusions: Both a relaxation session and one-time physical exercise can improve the emotional comfort of pregnant women. Relaxation training will probably bring more benefits to women having higher levels of anxiety or depression, while physical exercise can be particularly useful for women having problems with fatigue and decreased energy levels.

Key words:

• pregnancy
• physical activity
• relaxation
• emotional states
• acute effect

Acknowledgements

The research was financed under project no. NN 404 017838, ‘The influence of pregnant women’s physical activity on their mental and physical health, the course of pregnancy, and childbirth’, by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland.