Effect of resistance training on body composition, self-efficacy, depression, and activity in postpartum women

This study assessed the effect of resistance training (RT) in 60 healthy postpartum women. Participants were randomized to 18 weeks of RT or an active comparison group (flexibility training). RT and flexibility training (FT) exercises were completed twice‐weekly based on the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations. Study outcomes included muscular strength, body composition (dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry), exercise self‐efficacy, depressive symptoms [Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D)], and physical activity (accelerometery). For completers (n = 44), the RT group showed greater strength gains than the FT group, respectively (bench press: +36% vs +8%, P