What the study found
The study found that an 8-week remotely delivered, group-based physical activity program increased objectively measured physical activity and some psychosocial measures in postpartum women. It did not show a significant change in health-related quality of life.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that this kind of remote, group-based program may help address common postpartum barriers to exercise. They suggest it may support short- and long-term physical and mental health and highlight the potential of scalable online physical activity programs.
What the researchers tested
The researchers ran a web-based, two-arm randomized controlled trial in Japan with 175 women who were 2 to 6 months postpartum. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention combined weekly instructor-led online group sessions with a structured home-based exercise program and behavioral strategies based on self-determination theory and social cognitive theory.
What worked and what didn't
Compared with the control group, the intervention increased daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by 5.97 minutes and daily steps by 576. Sense of coherence increased by 4.14 points, and exercise self-efficacy improved, mainly because perceived barriers were reduced. Health-related quality of life did not change significantly.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe major limitations beyond the study being conducted in postpartum women in Japan and using a waitlist control design. The findings are limited to the outcomes measured in this trial and the 8-week intervention period.
Key points
- An 8-week remote, group-based exercise program increased objectively measured physical activity in postpartum women.
- Daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity rose by 5.97 minutes compared with controls.
- Daily step counts increased by 576 compared with controls.
- Sense of coherence and exercise self-efficacy improved, mainly because perceived barriers were reduced.
- Health-related quality of life did not change significantly.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Remote group exercise increased activity in postpartum women
- Authors:
- Yumi Nomura, Mako Fukano, Kosuke Kashiwabara, Megumi HARUNA
- Institutions:
- Chiba Institute of Technology, Shibaura Institute of Technology, The University of Tokyo, University of Tokyo Hospital
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-25
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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