Tai chi/yoga reduces prenatal depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2013 Feb;19(1):6-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.10.001. Epub 2012 Nov 24.

Abstract

Ninety-two prenatally depressed pregnant women were randomly assigned to a tai chi/yoga or a waitlist control group at an average of 22 weeks gestation. The tai chi/yoga group participated in a 20-min group session per week for 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment period the tai chi/yoga group had lower summary depression (CES-D) scores, as well as lower negative affect and somatic/vegetative symptoms subscale scores on the CES-D, lower anxiety (STAI) scores and lower sleep disturbances scores.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affect
  • Anxiety / therapy*
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy
  • Breathing Exercises
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Meditation
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy*
  • Prenatal Care
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / therapy*
  • Tai Ji*
  • Waiting Lists
  • Yoga*
  • Young Adult