A Pilot Study: Self-Reported Anxiety and Depression in Regular Exercisers
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Authors
Vatamanu, Iulia
Issue Date
2024
Type
Thesis
Language
Keywords
Anxiety , Depression , Exercise , Mental Health , Physical Activity
Alternative Title
Abstract
Background: Current physical activity guidelines emphasize physical health outcomes and lack any mention of mental health outcomes. Physical activity guidelines need to be updated to reflect current research and include mental health outcomes. Unfortunately, the literature lacks discussion on the liminal period between the end of a physical activity intervention and the long-term follow up. Additionally, while low intensity (LI) physical activity and high intensity interval training are main topics of discussion in the literature, there is a lack of research on high intensity (HI) physical activity and its effect on mental health outcomes. Purpose: To examine the efficacy of HI physical activity as a management tool for self-reported anxiety and depression in college age students who engage in regular physical activity. Methods: A total of 27 participants (20 female, 7 male; mean age 20.59 ± 2.19; mean height 65.98 ± 3.65 inches; mean weight 143.44 ± 31.17 pounds) elected to partake in either LI or HI physical activity classes and completed 16 weeks of regular physical activity. The HI group consisted of 17 participants and the LI group consisted of 10 participants. Anxiety and depression scores were observed in the last 4 weeks of class using the PHQ-ADS questionnaire. A 2x4 factorial ANOVA was used to conduct within and between group comparisons. Results: Anxiety and depression levels remained consistent in the LI and HI groups across four weeks of observation. Conclusion: LI and HI physical activity can be considered effective at managing self-reported anxiety and depression in college-age students who engage in regular physical activity.
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Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International