TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - Home-based physical activity program improves depression and anxiety in older adults
JO  - Journal of physical activity and health
A1  - Aguiñaga, Susan
A1  - Ehlers, Diane K.
A1  - Salerno, Elizabeth A.
A1  - Fanning, Jason
A1  - Motl, Robert W.
A1  - McAuley, Edward
SP  - 692
EP  - 696
VL  - 15
IS  - 9
N2  - BACKGROUND: Late-life depression and anxiety among older adults is an important public health concern. This study examined the effect of a DVD-delivered exercise intervention on the secondary outcomes of depression and anxiety in older adults and the extent to which physical self-worth mediated the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and depression and anxiety. <br><br>METHODS: Older adults (N = 307) were randomized to a 6-month flexibility, toning, and balance DVD (FlexToBa™, FTB) or healthy aging DVD control. Self-reported physical activity and questionnaires were administered at baseline and postintervention. Statistical analyses were conducted in the total sample and in a subsample of participants with elevated levels of depression or anxiety. <br><br>RESULTS: FTB participants with elevated depression and anxiety symptoms at baseline had significantly greater reductions in depression and anxiety (d = 1.66 and 2.90) than the control condition (d = 0.77 and 0.73). The effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety was partially mediated by increases in physical self-worth in the total sample but not in those with elevated depression or anxiety. <br><br>CONCLUSION: A home-based physical activity intervention may be a viable treatment for reducing depression and anxiety in older adults with elevated baseline scores.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1543-3080
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2017-0390
ID  - ref1
ER  -