Mood Alterations following an Indoor and Outdoor Exercise Program in Healthy Elderly Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-wk. recreational exercise program on mood state of 55 sedentary elderly women, ages 60 to 75 years, as well to examine the minimal amount of weekly exercise needed to produce these changes. The variables comprising mood state were Positive Engagement, Revitalization, Tranquility, and Physical Exhaustion. Subjects were allocated to three exercise groups (n = 15 each) and one control group (n = 10). Exercise was performed for 45 min. three times, twice, or once a week by one group each. Subjects were pre- and posttested on the selected variables. Those who participated three times a week had significantly more positive mood profiles than nonexercisers and those who exercised once a week, but profiles for those who exercised three or two times a week were similar. It is concluded that the group's improvement in both positive and negative affect corresponded to the frequency of exercise in their program. However, participation at least two times a week is necessary for significant mood alterations. Findings are discussed in terms of improvements in design and measurement and the need to focus research on multiple components of fitness in relation to mood state in an elderly sample.

Type of activity and fitness benefits as moderators of the effect of physical activity on affect in advanced age: a review

“…Eleven studies were included in the second group, which examined the effect of strength training on affect [17,18,20,29,49,57,[65][66][67][68]74], and 15 studies on non-specific physical activity or mindful activities such as yoga or Tai Chi were included in the third group [4,7,8,10,15,16,18,30,40,47,41,56,58,75,77]. One study [57] compared aerobic and resistance training to a control group in reducing depression and thus was included in both the first and second group.…”

“…Five of those six [4,7,15,30,75] reported affective improvements in addition to physiological improvements. However, four of the nine studies which did not assess physical improvement [16,41,47,77] reported affective improvement, and two of the nine [8,40] reported partial improvements.…”

Leisure Activity in the Third Age

“…The contribution of leisure activities to promoting health of the elderly is necessary and important [14]. Creative activities and events, in conclusion, not only play an educational role for the elderly, giving them the opportunity to socialize, but also highlight their personality elements and abilities, helping them to develop skills for the adoption of healthy attitudes and behaviors [23].…”

“…Visits to local markets, shopping in department stores, volunteer programs, clubbing and, taking part in centers for the open elderly protection, can increase the level of elderly activity and help them sustaining their physical and mental stimulation [14]. A well-designed leisure program for the elderly does not only help them to eliminate the monotony of life, but gives them also the opportunity to live new things and share their thoughts and experiences with peers.…”

“…A simple conversation, a walk or even a song can prove to be of great significance for the elderly. It is important to select activities that enable them to use their cognitive abilities [2,14]. At the Table 1 below are some activities for the elderly that are beneficial to them [17]:…”