Citation

Adams TB, Moore MT, Dye J. Women Health 2007; 45(1): 69-85.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J013v45n01_05

PMID

17613463

Abstract

The objective of the present analysis was to examine the relationship between vigorous/moderate or strength training exercise, and mental health in a national sample of college females. Secondary data (n = 22,073) from the National College Health Assessment administered during the Spring 2002 and 2003 semesters were used in a cross-sectional design. Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and perceived health were the dependent variables; and two measures of weekly exercise frequency were the independent variables. Vigorous/moderate exercise was associated with positively associated perceived health and modestly negatively associated with depression. Strength training exercise was positively associated with perceived health and modestly negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. These findings support an association between two forms of exercise and several indicators of mental health. Additional longitudinal research is needed prior to endorsing exercise as treatment for mental disorders.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anxiety; Confidence Intervals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Exercise; Female; Humans; Life Style; Mental Health; Odds Ratio; Suicide, Attempted; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Women's Health