Who exercises for mood regulation? Results from the Guangdong National Physique Monitoring data

Abstract

Purpose: This study focused on different exercise motivations, especially mood regulation and their relation to the possible influencing factors of adults in China.Methods: 5242 participants aged 20-69 years from 2016 to 2018 were recruited in this study to finish the questionnaire of Guangdong National Physique Monitoring organized by the Guangzhou Institute of Sports Science. Multiple statistical analyses methods were used to study each exercise motivation and its sociodemographic characteristics (gender, age, education and job), exercise measurements (frequency, duration and intensity) and physical conditions (BMI, abdominal obesity and basic diseases). An exercise index that is good for mental health (index 1: 45 min per session and 3-5 times per week; index 2: exercise motivation of mood regulation and exercise 60-120 min per week) was also used to investigate the number and type of people who were more likely to meet the index.Results: Substantial evidence showed that exercise is good for mood regulation, but 44.9% (2355/5242) of participants showed exercise inactivity in this study. Only older participants and those with an average level of education showed a significant association with mood regulation. Few people met the index that is good for mental health (16.64% (872/5242) met index 1 and 2.84% (149/5242) met index 2), and higher education showed a significant association with a reduction in the mental health burden and the prevention of depression.Conclusion: This investigation suggests motivating people to be more active, educating people on the mental health benefits of exercise.

Effects of Mood Regulation on Sociodemographic Status, Exercise Pattern, and Physical Conditions of Chinese Adults and the Elderly

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