Abstract
ABSTRACTBackgroundBeing overweight is associated not only with physical health problems, but also with risk of mental health problems. Increased physical activity (PA) has been recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about the effect of walking on physical and mental health outcomes.ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to explore the effectiveness of a pedometer-based PA intervention on physical and mental health states.MethodThirty-five overweight participants with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg•m–2 were selected and assigned to a 12-week pedometer-based walking program (10,000 steps•d–1). The profile of mood states, BMI, waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (%BF), and lean body mass (LBM) were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. The number of step counts was recorded 5 days a week in a diary booklet.ResultsThe 30 participants who accumulated 10,000 steps•d–1 had significantly lower anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion, and total mood distress scores compared with measurements taken prior to the intervention. Further, the participants had higher vigor scores compared to baseline. Regarding physical health, the participants who accrued 10,000 steps a day had significantly lower body weight, WC, BMI, and %BP. After adjustment for gender, height, and daily steps at follow-up, changes in WC were negatively associated with depression, fatigue, confusion, and total mood distress.ConclusionsAn increase in PA by accumulating at least 10,000 steps•d–1 over a 12-week period improves physical and mood states in sedentary, overweight individuals.
Highlights
Overweight and obesity present major health problems worldwide and these issues lead to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and cardiovascular disease[1,2]
Of the 5 participants (14.29%) who did not complete the protocol, one was pregnant and one had leg pain due to a herniated disc caused by heavy lifting
Based on the definition of Physical activity (PA) by Tudor-Locke et al.[12], the participants were defined as a sedentary at baseline
Summary
Overweight and obesity present major health problems worldwide and these issues lead to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and cardiovascular disease[1,2]. Evidence suggests that obesity is associated with mental health problems (e.g. depression), poor perceived health, low self-esteem, and body image concern[3]. There is evidence that obese individuals can decrease mood disorders by controlling diet and body weight, managing stress, improving self-esteem, having psychological treatment, and exercising. There is strong evidence that PA helps to decrease anxiety and depression and improves mood, self‐esteem, and body image[4,5,6]. A recent systematic review from 25 prospective cohort studies found that PA levels including low PA (e.g. walking less than 150 minutes/week) could prevent future depression[9].
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