A prospective analysis of the relationship between walking and mood in sedentary ethnic minority women

Elder abuse victimization, mental health, and protective factors

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the association between elder abuse and depressive symptoms, as well as protective factors against adverse mental health outcomes from elder abuse.

METHODS

Participants were drawn from the 5928 graduates of the WLS, Wave 3 study (age range 70-73) who completed both in-person and telephone interviews. From this large group, 975 (16.4%) participants reported having experienced elder abuse and were included in the sample. Path analysis using Mplus was employed.

RESULTS

Elder abuse victimization was significantly associated with depressive symptoms, and those who had suffered multiple types of elder abuse experienced more severe mental health outcomes. However, both light physical activity conducted alone and having a friend as a confidant were negatively associated with depressive symptoms among older adults who had experienced elder abuse.

CONCLUSION

Given the significant association between elder abuse and negative mental health outcomes among older survivors, screening and prevention programs are recommended. Older adults who have experienced elder abuse may benefit from programs designed to increase physical activity and help older adults build and maintain close relationships with friends and confidants.

Get Vigorous with Physical Exercise and Improve Your Well-Being at Work!

The aim of this study is to investigate whether people who exercise regularly have higher levels of psychological well-being at work. Doing physical exercise is a habit that not only has consequences for physical and mental health, but it can also have positive consequences for organizations because physical exercise makes it easier for the employee to recover from physical, mental, and emotional effort during the workday, thus showing higher levels of engagement the next day. Through the analysis of structural equation models in a sample of 485 workers from different Spanish and Latin American companies, this study shows that subjects who exercise more have higher levels of vigor in physical exercise, which is positively related to high levels of well-being at work. This means that organizations that promote activities related to physical exercise among their employees are building a process of resource recovery, which, through the vigor of these activities, makes workers feel less stressed and more satisfied, thus experiencing greater well-being at work. Therefore, at a practical level, these results suggest that the practice of physical exercise is a tool for organizations that want to promote their employees’ psychological well-being.

Associations Between Declining Physical and Cognitive Functions in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936

BACKGROUND

The ageing process is characterized by declines in physical and cognitive function. However, the relationship between these trajectories remains a topic of investigation.

METHODS

Using four data waves collected triennially between ages 70 and 79, we tested for associations between multiple cognitive ability domains (verbal memory, processing speed, and visuospatial ability) and physical functions (walking speed, grip strength, and lung function). We first tested for associations between linear declines in physical and cognitive functions over the entire 9-year study period, and then, for lead-lag coupling effects between 3-year changes in cognitive and physical functions.

RESULTS

Steeper linear decline in walking speed was moderately correlated with steeper linear declines in each cognitive domain. Steeper linear decline in grip strength was moderately correlated with steeper linear declines in verbal memory and processing speed. Lead-lag coupling models showed that decline in verbal memory was preceded by declines in walking speed and grip strength. By contrast, decline in grip strength was preceded by declines in processing speed and visuospatial ability, and decline in walking speed was preceded by decline in visuospatial ability. Following additional adjustment for covariates, only coupling effects from earlier decline in processing speed to later decline in grip strength remained significant (β = 0.545, p = .006).

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide further evidence of an association between cognitive and physical declines and point to the potential order in which these changes occur. Decline in processing speed in particular may serve as a unique early marker of declining upper body strength.

Psychosocial Correlates and Outcomes of Physical Activity Among Latinos: A Review

Despite the many physical and psychological benefits of physical activity, it is well documented that the general population does not engage in sufficient leisure time physical activity to accrue such benefits. In the Latino population the situation is even more dire. This review focuses on studies of the relationship between physical activity and psychosocial correlates and outcomes in Latino men and women. It was demonstrated that the majority of studies with Latino participants examined constructs similar to those studied in the general population, namely, self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barriers. The existing literature is discussed in terms of (a) the lack of information on the psychological/psychosocial constructs of physical activity for Latinos, (b) the lack of intervention research, (c) reporting results of studies as “minority correlates,” (d) the importance of Latino subcultures and the heterogeneity of Latinos, and (e) the measurement of physical activity.

The Healing Balm Effect

This qualitative study combines methods from grounded theory and ethnography, exploring members' experience of a mental health day service walking group, with regards psychological benefits of the physical activity, the outdoor environment and the social setting. Data were collected via participant observation, interviews and a group discussion, and analysed using a grounded theory approach. An overall model, the Healing Balm Effect, brings together seven categories, which describe healing properties of the experience. The categories are: Closer to What is More Natural; Feeling Safe; Being Part; Striving; Getting Away; Being Me; Finding Meaning. Clinical relevance and methodological issues are discussed.

Factors Contributing to Women’s Ability to Maintain a Walking Program

Purpose:The purpose of this descriptive study is to determine what strategies were most helpful for women to begin and maintain awalking program. Method:Data from the field notes of a randomized clinical trial to promotewalking in 97women were used for the qualitative analysis discussed in this article. Findings:Overall, the majority of participants met the study goal of walking 90 minutes per week. Conclusions:In addition, the participants reported other benefits, including becoming more physically fit, mental and emotional satisfaction, and stress reduction. Some of the barriers mentioned by participants were personal and/or professional obligations, weather, injuries and/or illnesses, and psychosocial factors. When benefits outweighed barriers, the participants had greater success meeting their walking goals. Implications:Furthermore, the participants stated that making time, problem solving, internal motivation, and the support of family and/or friends were the most helpful factors in achieving their walking goals.

Screen time, physical activity and depression risk in minority women

Emerging research suggests that sedentary behavior, sometimes measured as screen time, may be an important correlate of depression. Physical activity, while not the direct opposite of sedentary behavior, has also been associated with depression (albeit inversely). Although low-income and minority populations may experience greater levels of depression, little research has focused on the relationships between screen time or physical activity and depression in low-income, minority populations in the United States. This study used logistic regression to assess relationships among depression, daily screen time, and weekly physical activity and the interaction between screen time and physical activity in a cross-sectional sample of 535 overweight or obese minority women in East Harlem, New York. Sixteen percent of participants were at risk for depression, which was significantly higher than national averages. Results suggested that engaging in high levels of daily screen time was associated with increased depression risk, even after controlling for physical activity and demographic variables. Neither physical activity nor the interaction between screen time and physical activity were associated with depression risk. Obesity was significantly associated with depression risk in all models, even when accounting for sedentary behavior and physical activity. Daily screen time may be an important risk factor for depression in minority women in the United States. The lack of association between physical activity and depression did not support past research and may have been due to the physical activity measure or the fact that physical activity may not be an important risk factor for depression in minority women.

The Influence of Mood on the Relation between Proactive Coping and Rehabilitation Outcomes

Cette étude a examiné un échantillon de 228 personnes âgées en réhabilitation après chirurgie pour remplacement d’une articulation; elle a porté sur la relation entre une adaptation proactive, l’humeur et les résultats psychologiques et fonctionnels. Faire face proactivement c’est une façon de réagir qui est axée sur les objectifs et nécessite qu’on affront les facteurs qui incitent le stress comme un défi plutôt qu’une menace. Selon notre hypothèse, les personnes âgées qui adoptent des stratégies proactives d’adaptation subiraient une amélioration du fonctionnement physique et psychologique apres la réadaptation et connaîtraient une humeur positive. Le modèle proposé a trouvé du support, par lequel une expérience de vigueur a été trouvé à la médiation de l’effet d’une adaptation proactive sur les résultats. Les implications théoriques et pratiques des résultats de recherche sont discutées dans le contexte des interventions qui encourageraient les personnes âgées à faire face proactivement.

The effectiveness of distance interventions for increasing physical activity: a review

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the effectiveness of distance physical activity interventions to establish intervention features that are key to success.

DATA SOURCE

Computerized searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of distance physical activity interventions and visual scans of reference lists were performed between March 2004 and July 2006.

STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies were included if they (1) employed a randomized controlled design, (2) encouraged physical activity in adults, and (3) had no face-to-face contact between participants and researchers or health educators.

DATA EXTRACTION

Twenty-two studies were found that met the inclusion criteria. Authors assessed the quality of the studies and coded articles according to key intervention features.

DATA SYNTHESIS

This review is a systematic narrative review. Heterogeneity and poor study quality made formal meta-analysis inappropriate. Nevertheless, effect sizes were calculated for studies comparing intervention with control.

RESULTS

Overall, distance interventions increased physical activity in the short term (between-group effect size range, -.2 to .45). Print medium plus telephone contact was the most effective delivery mode.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor study quality prevented firm conclusions. However, distance interventions were found to promote physical activity in the short term for some populations. This review provided limited support for the efficacy of distance exercise interventions and revealed limitations of the extant literature. Expansion of RCT research into distance approaches to promoting physical activity is warranted.

Physical Activity, Social Support, and Family Structure as Determinants of Mood Among European-American and African-American Women

The literature indicates that mood is an important predictor of physical and psychological well-being. Mood influences a person's health perceptions, treatment compliance, and recovery. Given the importance of mood as an outcome, it is important to identify predictors of mood. The current study examined physical activity, social support, and family structure as determinants of mood among women who had recently begun a walking program. Two hundred and fifty-nine European-American and African-American women between the ages of 30 and 60 participated in the study. A significant positive relation was found between physical activity, social support, and mood, while a negative relation was found between number of children and mood. Hierarchical regression revealed that physical activity, social support of friends, mari- tal status, and number of children were significant predictors of women's mood. Race moderated the relation between number of children and mood. This study suggests that physical activity, social support, and family may be important factors in the psychological well-being of women.

Un Corazón Saludable: factors influencing outcomes of an exercise program designed to impact cardiac and metabolic risks among urban Latinas

A high prevalence of physical inactivity, metabolic risk factors, and depression place Latinas in peril of developing cardiovascular disease. "Un Corazón Saludable: A Healthy Heart" was developed to engage urban Latinas in physical activity and increase awareness of cardiac and metabolic risk factors. Two hundred and twenty-five Latinas enrolled in the program that included salsa aerobics and culturally sensitive health education modules. Cardiac and metabolic risk factors measured in this study were body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, abdominal obesity, and blood pressure. Psychosocial risk factors measured included depressive symptoms and perceived social support. Fifty-two percent of the enrollees completed the program. Results indicated decreases in BMI, abdominal obesity, and symptoms of depression among Latinas who completed the program. Those who did not complete the program were younger, had greater depressive symptomatology, reported poorer social support, and they tended to be caregivers and U.S. born. Focus groups of program participants ascertained that caregiving and family obligations were major barriers to exercise while social support was a major facilitator of exercise. This research indicates that programs developed to recognize and address cultural barriers can impact physical and psychosocial risk factors among urban Latinas who are able to attend. Program retention may improve if future exercise programs conducted through community-base organizations offered support to Latinas regarding issues that interfere with self-care and health promotion. Future programs should consider including mental health and social service case management as part of comprehensive exercise/educational programs.

Are There “Healthy” and “Unhealthy” Reasons for Exercise? Examining Individual Differences in Exercise Motivations Using the Function of Exercise Scale

This study reports the psychometric development of a measure to assess individual differences in exercise motivations using a functionalist strategy (Snyder & Cantor, 1997). Factor analyses revealed two subscales for the newly developed Function of Exercise Scale (FES): Weight and Appearance (WA), and Health and Enjoyment (HE). FES-HE scores correlated with better psychological well-being and predicted prospectively monitored as well as concurrently and longitudinally assessed exercise behavior. FES-HE scores also correlated with lower pulse, systolic blood pressure, and salivary cortisol readings, indicating its association with better physical health. In contrast, FES-WA scores correlated with greater depressive and eating disorder symptoms, as well as lower self-esteem, and predicted the later emergence of eating disorder, but not depressive, symptoms. FES-WA scores failed to show a relationship with measures of physical well-being, including exercise engagement and vital sign data. Overall, the FES appears to hold promise as a succinct and psychometrically sound heuristic for meaningfully relating exercise motivations to important indices of both physical and psychological well-being.

Physical Activity and Weight Management Across the Lifespan

This review discusses key findings and recommendations related to the role of physical activity in weight gain prevention, weight loss, and weight-loss maintenance across the lifespan. For weight gain prevention, epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that regular physical activity is critical, with increases above the recommended 30 min daily for health (e.g., to 45 to 60 min daily) potentially desirable for curtailing weight gain. For weight loss, clinical studies suggest that physical activity interventions alone usually produce only modest results. Combining physical activity with dietary interventions increases the chance of success, especially at higher levels of physical activity (e.g., 200 to 300 min or more weekly). For weight-loss maintenance, high levels of physical activity (e.g., 40 to 90 min daily) may be necessary. To manage weight across the lifespan, a comprehensive approach to physical activity is needed supported by public policy interventions that help make physical activity a part of daily life.

Factors related to physical activity in Hispanic women

Hispanic women are more likely to be sedentary than the general population. Increasing physical activity in this at-risk group is an important challenge in the prevention and management of coronary heart disease. This article reviews research conducted with Hispanic women in whom physical activity was the primary focus of study or the primary outcome of interest. Computer and manual searches were performed to identify articles published from 1990 to 2005. Factors that influence physical activity in Hispanic women include self-efficacy, having a concern for own and family health, social support and norms for physical activity, serving as a role model to others, and perceived neighborhood resources. Despite significant efforts to understand and promote physical activity among Hispanic women, much work remains to be done in this area. Future research should include attention to cultural, social, and contextual resources in understanding and promoting physical activity.

Chronic physical activity and feelings of energy and fatigue

This brief review summarizes key epidemiological and experimental evidence concerning relationships between chronic physical activity and feelings of energy (vigor, vitality) and fatigue. The epidemiological studies show a positive association between the amount of typical weekly physical activity reported and the frequency with which people report feeling energetic. The randomized controlled experiments show that 10-20 wk of exercise training is associated with an increase in the frequency and intensity of feelings of energy among fatigued people with medical conditions. The results of longitudinal studies with non-fatigued, healthy adults are mixed. Overtraining by athletes is associated with increased intensity of feelings of fatigue. Additional well-controlled investigations into relationships between physical activity and feelings of energy and fatigue, especially among sedentary and fatigued individuals, are warranted given the available evidence and the importance of these moods to health, work productivity, and quality of life.

Efectividad del consejo sanitario en la promoción de la actividad física. Estudio prospectivo aleatorizado

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There is enough evidence about how physical activity decreases the risk of some chronic diseases; although there are few studies that value the effectiveness of clinical counseling on increase physical activity levels on the population. There is no information about the effectiveness of clinical counseling on decreasing other non-healthy habits, like smoking.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

After measure the amount of physical activity on adult population, we selected the group with light level (< 143 Kcal/day), dividing them in two random groups: intervention, that received sanitary advice on increase physical activity on free time, and control, without this intervention. On both, we inquire about physical activity and healthy habits 12 months after the intervention.

RESULTS

After twelve months, in the intervention group we observed a mean increase of 1,766 cal/week (95% confidence interval [CI], 1,400-2,132) vs 488 (95% CI, 295-520) in control group (p < .001). 69% of patients from intervention group made intense physical activity vs 15% from controls (p < .001). Control group also improved health-self perception and had a significant reduction on cigarettes consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Sanitary counseling is efficient on improving physical activity on leisure. An added benefit is to gain better self-perception health and smoking cessation.

Verification of the profile of mood states-brief: Cross-cultural analysis

This international study investigated whether the mood states of adults can be compared between different settings and cultures using the same instrument, namely, by comparing the psychometric properties of the Profile of Mood States-Brief (POMS-B) using data gathered in the United States and Korea. The Korean research instrument was a translation of the original POMS-B, and was evaluated psychometrically for each country separately as well as for the two countries combined, based on a convenience sample of 184 adults: The POMS-B was administered to 69 native English speakers and the Korean version (K-POMS-B) was administered to 115 native Korean speakers. The mean total mood disturbance (TMD) score was 23.59 (SD = 16.7): 26.11 (SD = 15.9) for the Americans and 21.06 (SD = 17.5) for the Koreans. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was high for both versions. The content validity index was 96% in the K-POMS-B. The Korean version of the POMS-B seems to be ready for use in research.

Combining weight-loss counseling with the weight watchers plan for obese breast cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to develop effective weight-loss methods for women who have had breast cancer, because obesity may result in an adverse prognosis.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This randomized pilot study tested an individualized approach toward weight loss in obese women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer. An individualized approach was applied either alone or combined with the commercial Weight Watchers program. Forty-eight women (body mass index of 30 to 44 kg/m(2)) were enrolled.

RESULTS

Weight change after 12 months of intervention was as follows (mean +/- SD): 0.85 +/- 6.0 kg in the control group, -2.6 +/- 5.9 kg in the Weight Watchers group, -8.0 +/- 5.5 kg in the individualized group, and -9.4 +/- 8.6 kg in the comprehensive group that used both individualized counseling and Weight Watchers. Weight loss relative to control was statistically significant in the comprehensive group 3, 6, and 12 months after randomization, whereas weight loss in the individualized group was significant only at 12 months. Weight loss of 10% or more of initial body weight was observed in 6 of 10 women in the comprehensive group at 12 months. In the comprehensive and Weight Watchers-only groups, weight loss was significantly related to frequency of attendance at Weight Watchers meetings, and attendance was more frequent in the comprehensive group.

DISCUSSION

These data indicate that the most weight loss was achieved when the counseling approach combined both Weight Watchers and individualized contacts. This was effective even though most of the individualized contacts were by telephone.