Walking can help mild to moderate postpartum depression: study

As little as 15 minutes a day of brisk walking could help many women who struggle with postpartum depression, a study from a Canadian university says, though some severe cases may still require traditional medical care.

The study from Western University, published Wednesday by the Journal of Women's Health, analyzed data from five research projects involving 242 participants and found that walking resulted in clinically significant reductions in postpartum depression symptoms.

Researchers say the improvements remained even three months after mothers stopped their walking programs.

Led by undergraduate student Veronica Pentland and assistant professor Marc Mitchell from the faculty of health sciences, the study recommends women walk at a "moderate intensity" 90 to 120 minutes per week to reduce symptoms that can include severe mood swings, exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness.

Mitchell said in an interview that walking offers "psychological distractions," as well as physiological benefits and positive effects on inflammatory markers.