Mindful yoga program for postpartum depression
The Effects of a Mindful Yoga Program on Mood Symptoms and Stress for Postpartum Women With Depressive Symptoms: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
This study is testing whether a 10-week mindful yoga program can help new moms with postpartum depression feel better compared to a traditional education program.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 198 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06275217 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial involves a parallel-group randomized controlled design with 198 postpartum women experiencing depressive symptoms. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving a 10-week mindful yoga intervention and the other undergoing a 10-week psychoeducation program. Assessments of depression, self-reported questionnaires, and salivary cortisol tests will be conducted at baseline, after the intervention, and during follow-ups at 6 and 12 months. The study aims to determine if the mindful yoga intervention is more effective in reducing depression and improving overall well-being compared to psychoeducation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are postpartum women aged 18-60 with depressive symptoms and limited prior experience with yoga or mindfulness practices.
Not a fit: Patients with severe complications post-delivery, regular psychiatric follow-up, or those currently on antipsychotic medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a non-pharmacological approach to alleviate postpartum depression and enhance quality of life for new mothers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for mindfulness-based interventions in treating mood disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Postpartum women aged 18-60 years old. * The scores of EPDS ≥ 10. * At least 6 week and up to 1 year after childbirth. * Giving birth to a single full-term healthy baby (gestation between 37-41 weeks, body weight \> 2.5kg, APGAR score at 5 minutes \> 7). * Fewer than 10 hours of yoga/Qi gong/Tai Chi or mindfulness/meditation practice in the previous 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe complications after delivery, or their infants are admitted to NICU. * Regular psychiatric follow-up. * Currently taking antipsychotic drugs. * Known pragnancy, or other contraindications to physical exercise (e.g., wound healing situation) according to the body examination by O\&G clinicians at 6 weeks after delivery.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jessie Lin, PhD
- Email: jx-jessie.lin@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: +852 2766 6718
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.