Improved Sleep Quality and Depressive Symptoms With Exercise Training in Obese Women From a Low Socioeconomic Community: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Improving sleep quality and reducing depressive symptoms may be target mechanisms for intervention-based research aimed at reducing cardiometabolic risk in low-income communities. This study assessed the effects of exercise training on depressive symptoms and sleep in obese women for a low socioeconomic community. The secondary aim explored associations between changes in depressive symptoms and sleep with changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: Participants were randomized into exercise (n = 20) or control (n = 15) groups. The exercise group completed 12 weeks of combined resistance and aerobic training (40–60 min, 4 d/wk), and the control group maintained habitual diet and activity. Preintervention and postintervention testing included questionnaires on symptoms of depression, psychological distress, and sleep quality. Sedentary time, peak oxygen consumption, body mass index, and insulin sensitivity were measured objectively. Sleep duration (accelerometry) was assessed at preintervention and weeks 4, 8, and 12. Results: Exercise training reduced depressive symptoms (P = .002) and improved sleep quality (P < .001) and sleep efficiency (P = .005). Reduced depressive symptoms were associated with improved peak oxygen consumption (rho = −.600, P < .001), and improved sleep quality correlated with reduced sedentary time (rho = .415, P = .018). Conclusion: These results highlight the potential for community-based exercise interventions to simultaneously address multiple comorbidities in a low-income setting.

Perceptions and experiences of young Black South African women with obesity from a low socioeconomic community after following a 12-week structured exercise intervention

“…Another benefit reported by participants was an improvement in psychological well-being (improved mood and self-esteem). These findings are supported by quantitative results previously reported from the same intervention, showing reduced symptoms of depression and improved sleep quality in response to the exercise training (29). Our findings are also consistent with previous research findings which suggested that improved psychological and physical well-being are related to increased exercise adherence in women with obesity (30).…”

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Sleep Quality and Mental Health of College Students

“…This suggests that response inhibition is in a rapid improvement phase early in the aerobic exercise intervention. Individuals learning new motor skills require the involvement of the cerebellum, which can also facilitate connections between the brain and cerebellum, thereby enhancing the development of brain function [ 19 ]. Previous studies have shown that the cerebellum also has a crucial role in the cognitive functions of individuals, such as inhibition and memory functions.…”

The Benefits of Physical Activity for People with Obesity, Independent of Weight Loss: A Systematic Review

“…Two studies investigated whether physical activity improved brain health markers, independent of weight loss, for those with obesity. Outcomes included changes in sleep [24], depressive symptoms [21,25], quality of life and emotional health [21]. Physical activity modalities included combined aerobic and resistance training [24] and tai chi [21].…”

“…Outcomes included changes in sleep [24], depressive symptoms [21,25], quality of life and emotional health [21]. Physical activity modalities included combined aerobic and resistance training [24] and tai chi [21].…”