Depression as a powerful discriminator between physically active and sedentary middle-aged men

doi:10.1016/0022-3999(83)90111-3

Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Volume 27, Issue 1, 1983, Pages 69-76

https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(83)90111-3 Get rights and content

Abstract

This study identifies the relative importance of psychological dimensions that discriminate between habitually physically active and sedentary men. The data support the notion that physical activity has psychological benefits. Subjects (N = 22) were normal, medically healthy middle-aged men (40–60 years of age). Data were collected on selected physiological (treadmill) and psychological (MMPI) variables and replicated within four months. The Student's t-test and discriminant function analysis were used in the statistical analysis. Physically active men (n = 11) have lower depression (scale 2) and lower social introversion (scale 10) than the sedentary men (n = 11). The physically active men may exhibit MMPI scale differences in ‘neurotic’ tendencies from the sedentary men, but there is no apparent difference in scales suggestive of ‘psychotic’ tendencies. Depression (scale 2) is the most powerful discriminator between physically active and sedentary men, followed by hysteria (scale 3) and social introversion (scale 10). In conclusion, our data identify depression as the most important MMPI scale that discriminates between physically active and sedentary men.

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Similarly, people who choose to limit their daily food intake might be more inclined to participate in physical activity (Bellisle, 1999). Anxiety and depression are two known psychological factors influencing sedentary behavior (Lobstein et al., 1983; Martinsen et al., 1985). Attitudes and beliefs also play a role in people’s decision to participate in physical activities.
Using Texas add-on sample data from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey, this study examines adult workers’ daily active choice decisions in the context of physical activity and attendant health benefits. The study looked at workers’ two choice behaviors: active activity and active travel. The first choice behavior, active activity, is developed as an ordered-response model based on the number of physically active recreational activities pursued during the workday. The second choice behavior, active travel, is developed as a binary-response model that examines workers’ active travel choices—whether or not the worker used any active mode of travel during the same workday. The study improves the understanding and knowledge of observed factors influencing workers’ physically active activity-travel behavior. The study also provides several observations regarding the role (and constraints) of employment in individuals’ active choices. Using a flexible copula modeling methodology, we explore the true correlation (or dependence) between the two behavior choices that could occur due to the presence of unobserved factors, suggesting a simultaneously low or simultaneously high propensity for being physically active across workers. The study findings suggest that transportation and public health policy makers can mutually benefit from encouraging workers to be physically active (from an activity and/or travel perspective). Overall, the study draws attention to the integrated nature of the public health and transportation fields, thereby providing a distinct view of active/inactive choice behavior. To our knowledge, this is the first study exploring a rich variety of components for workers’ active activity-travel behavior through a robust copula approach.
The promise of wearable activity sensors to define patient recovery
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A physically active lifestyle has not only physiological but also psychological benefits. In addition to reducing the risk of all-cause mortality by as much as 48% [41] and delaying the development of functional limitations over time [42], physical activity is associated with improved cognitive performance [44], diminished psychosocial stress response [45], and fewer symptoms of depression and social introversion [46]. In contrast, physical inactivity characterized by a prevalence of sedentary behavior such as sitting or lying, lowers life expectancy and elevates the risk worldwide of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases by up to 10% [43].
The recent emergence of mobile health – the use of mobile telecommunication and wireless devices to improve health outcomes, services, and research – has inspired a patient-centric approach to monitor health metrics. Sensors embedded in wearable devices are utilized to acquire greater self-knowledge by tracking basic parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature as well as data related to exercise, diet, and psychological state. To that end, recent studies on utilizing wireless fitness activity trackers to monitor and promote functional recovery in patients suggest that collecting up-to-date performance data could help patients regain functional independence and help hospitals determine the appropriate length of stay for a patient. This manuscript examines existing functional assessment scales, discusses the use of activity tracking sensors in evaluating functional independence, and explores the growing application of wireless technology in measuring and promoting functional recovery.
Interactions of sexual activity, gender, and depression with immunity
2014, Journal of Sexual Medicine
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Biological mechanisms include endocrine activity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and upregulation of the sympathetic nervous system, both of which are impacted by stress and depressed mood and both of which directly modulate immune function [2]. Research on behavioral pathways has focused largely on health‐related behaviors such as poor nutrition [3], alcohol and nicotine use [4], and sedentary lifestyles [5], all of which are hallmarks of depression and independently linked to poorer immune function [6]. One behavioral route that has received little empirical attention is sexual activity.
Depression can suppress immune function, leading to lower resistance against infection and longer healing times in depressed individuals. Sexuality may also influence immune function, with evidence that sexual activity is associated with lowered immune function in women and mixed results in men. Immune mediators like immunoglobulin A (IgA) are immediately relevant to sexual health, since they are the first line of defense against pathogens at mucous membranes like the vagina.
This study aims to determine if and how depression, sexual activity, and their interaction impact salivary IgA (SIgA) in men and women.
In Study 1, a community‐based sample of 84 women and 88 men provided saliva samples and completed questionnaires on their demographic background, level of depression, and frequency of partnered and solitary sexual activity. Study 2, conducted separately in an undergraduate student sample of 54 women and 52 men, had similar methods.
The main outcome measures were scores on the General Well‐Being Schedule depression subscale, reported frequency of sexual activity, and SIgA levels as measured by enzyme immunoassay.
Across studies, higher levels of partnered sexual activity were associated with lower SIgA for women with high depression scores, but not for women with low depression scores. In contrast, higher levels of partnered sexual activity were associated with higher SIgA for men with high depression scores, but not for men with low depression scores.
Our results show that partnered sexual activity is a risk factor for lowered immunity in women with depressive symptoms but a possible resilience factor for men with depressive symptoms. This suggests a role for sexual activity in determining the impact of depression on physical health parameters. Lorenz T and van Anders S. Interactions of sexual activity, gender, and depression with immunity. J Sex Med 2014;11:966–979.
A randomized controlled trial of the effect of psychotherapy on anxiety and depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
2003, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Citation Excerpt :
Furthermore, physical exercise benefits require only mild to moderate physical activity.30 The distinctions found between physically active and sedentary individuals mainly relate to a lack of exercise being associated with augmented levels of anxiety, depression, and hostility.31-44 The ability of physical exercise to improve quality of life is due to a complex interaction of many factors: (1) replacement of bad by positive thoughts (cognitive-behavioral transformation) and better social interaction; (2) improvement of cardiovascular performance; (3) production and release of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, endorphins, and adrenal steroids; and (4) reduction of muscular tension through relaxation.45,46
de Godoy DV, de Godoy RF. A randomized controlled trial of the effect of psychotherapy on anxiety and depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1154–7.
To assess the effect of psychotherapy on the anxiety and depression levels of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A blind, randomized, controlled trial.
Outpatient university pulmonary rehabilitation program in Brazil.
Thirty patients with COPD (mean age, 60.33y; 22 men) attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program were randomized into 2 groups: experimental group (G1) and control group (G2). Both groups underwent a 12-week treatment program.
Group 1 (n=14) participated in 24 sessions of physical exercise, 24 sessions of physiotherapy, 12 psychologic sessions, and 3 educational sessions. Group 2 did not participate in psychotherapy sessions.
All patients were evaluated at baseline and at completion of the pulmonary rehabilitation program by using 3 instruments: the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD).
Both groups showed statistically significant improvements on the 6MWD (G1, P<.001; G2, P=.03). Only G1 had a significant reduction in anxiety and depression levels (G1: BAI, P<.001; BDI, P<.001; G2: BAI, P=.156; BDI, P=.142). Statistically significant differences existed between G1 and G2 for BAI (P<.001) and BDI (P=.02).
Including psychotherapy in a pulmonary rehabilitation program for COPD reduced patients’ anxiety and depression levels but did not modify 6MWD performance.
Relationships between self-perceptions and negative affect in adult flemish psychiatric in-patients suffering from mood disorders
2002, Psychology of Sport and Exercise
Objectives. To compare measures of physical self-perceptions and self-esteem of adult psychiatric patients suffering from mood disorders with norms of non-patients and to investigate the comparative influence of physical self-perceptions and self-esteem on indices of negative affect in these patients.
Method. Cross-sectional. Adult psychiatric patients (53 males, 124 females), all with DSM-IV diagnosis of mood disorder and with elevated depression scores, completed the Physical Self-Perception Profile subscales assessing perceived sports competence and condition, body attractiveness, physical strength, and a domain scale of physical self-worth. Also assessed were global self-esteem, using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory, depression, with the Beck Depression Inventory, and anxiety with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
Results. Depressed patients scored significantly lower on physical self-perceptions and global self-esteem than non-patients, consistent with the symptomatology of depression and anxiety. Partial correlation analysis and path analysis indicated that physical self-perceptions explained a significant proportion of variance in negative affects (R² from 0.37 to 0.49). With the exception of trait anxiety in male patients, direct pathways became non-significant when global self-esteem was added to the model. Model fit parameters using structural equation modelling indicated the superior fit of the indirect model with global self-esteem as a mediator.
Conclusion. The relationship between physical self-perceptions and negative affect is mainly indirect and mediated by global self-esteem in mood disordered psychiatric patients. The Expanded Exercise and Self-Esteem Model, which includes physical self-perceptions and self-esteem estimates, might be considered as a valuable framework for furthering our understanding of the depression and anxiety reducing potential of exercise and physical activity in clinically depressed individuals.
Worksite health promotion and the older worker
2000, International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics
Worksite wellness programmes have shifted from simple fitness classes to a modular structure that can enhance many aspects of health. Waning physical abilities and an increased susceptibility to both acute and chronic disease make such initiatives of particular value in enhancing the health of elderly workers. Older people are attracted to such programmes if they are perceived as safe and adapted to their needs. Such individuals often have a strong motivation to enhance their health and fitness. Committed exercisers can substantially augment aerobic power, muscle strength, and flexibility. Given participation in ancillary modules, there is also potential to correct a number of important cardiac risk factors, including obesity, a high serum cholesterol, hypertension, and cigarette smoking. In consequence, the appraised age of male participants may be increased by as much as two years.
Relevance to industry
Worker health and fitness plainly have an important influence on productivity and absenteeism rates. Worksite facilities provide a readily accessible method of health and fitness programmes to the employee. They have many advantages over community-wide health programmes, and if well-designed can substantially augment worker fitness.

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Depression as a powerful discriminator between physically active and sedentary middle-aged men

Abstract

J Psychosom Res

Am Corrective Ther J

J Psychosom Res

Comprehensive Psychiatry

Behav Ther

Psychological benefits of physical activity

Physical fitness training and mental health

Am Psychologist

Effects of physical training on physiologic and behavioral characteristics of cardiac patients

Arch Phys Med Rehab

Depression after myocardial infarction

Can Med Assoc J

Some effects of jogging on psychiatric hospital patients

Am Corrective Ther J

The relationship of aerobic physical fitness to selected personality traits

J Clin Psychol

Effect of chronic exercise on the multivariate relationships between selected biochemical and personality variables

J Multivar Behav Res

Influence of physical fitness on second and third order personality factors using orthogonal and oblique rotations

J Clin Psychol

Personality differences of adult men before and after a physical fitness program

Res Q

Psychological fitness as a function of physical fitness

Arch Phys Med Rehab

Policy statement regarding the use of human subjects and informed consent

Med Sci Sports Exercise

An anthropometric estimation of body density and lean body weight in young men

J Appl Physiol

Guidelines for Graded Exercise Testing and Exercise Prescription