Physical benefits and reduction of depressive symptoms among the elderly: Results from the Portuguese "National Walking Program"

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva

Jeronimo Costa Branco¹  Karen Jansen¹  Jessica Teixeira Sobrinho¹  Susana Carrapatoso¹  Barbara Spessato¹  Joana Carvalho¹  Jorge Mota¹  Ricardo Azevedo Da Silva¹ 

关键词: The elderly;    Exercises;    Walking;    Physical fitness;    Depression;    Idosos;    Exercícios;    Caminhada;    Aptidão física;    Depressão;   

DOI  :  10.1590/1413-81232015203.09882014

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in physical fitness and anthropometric parameters as well as depression symptoms among the elderly after participation in the "National Walking Program" (Portugal). The sample consisted of 26 elderly people over six months with a total of 72 exercise sessions. The exercise sessions consisted of aerobics (walking and running) and strength and flexibility exercises. Participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention for physical fitness with the Rikli & Jones test. The anthropometric measurements were assessed with a bioimpedance scale and a stadiometer, and depression with Yesavage's Geriatric Depression Scale. Physical activity was only assessed with an accelerometer at the pre-intervention phase. For statistical analysis, the student t test for paired samples was performed using SPSS 21 software. Statistically significant improvements were found in depressive symptoms (p ≤ 0.001), and in all physical fitness tests (p ≤ 0.05) except for flexibility tests (p ≥ 0.05). Waist circumference reduction also showed the positive effects of the intervention (p = 0.031). The conclusion drawn is that participation in the "National Walking Program" for 6 months was effective in improving the physical and psychological health of the elderly.

【 授权许可】

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