Investigation of the effects of physical activity level on functionality level and quality of life in the postpartum period

BACKGROUND: Physical activity, known to have positive effects in every period of life, may decrease due to anatomical and physiological changes and increased responsibilities in the postpartum period. This study aimed to understand how women's physical activity levels, functional levels, and quality of life are affected in the postpartum period and to emphasize the importance of physical activity levels in the postpartum period. METHODS: The population of our study was planned as a cross-sectional study of postpartum women who applied to a private center. The sample consists of 101 volunteer postpartum women participating in the study. Physical activity levels; with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), postpartum functional levels; with the Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth (IFSAC), postpartum quality of life level; with Maternal Postpartum Quality of Life (MAPP-QOL) were evaluated. RESULTS: It was determined that the amount of physical activity of postpartum women was 928.347 ± 281.27 MET-min/week, which means low physical activity level, and 35.64% were not physically active. The mean total score of IFSAC was 2.13 ± 0.79, and the mean total score of MAPP-QOL was 16.93 ± 6.87. It was determined that there was a positive and significant correlation (p < 0.05) between IPAQ and IFSAC (r = 0.034) and MAPP-QOL (r = 0.214). A significant difference was found when the IFSAC and MAPP-QOL scores were compared between the three groups with different physical activity levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, it was observed that the physical activity levels of women in the postpartum period were low, negatively affecting their functionality and quality of life.