Effects of Walking on the Mood of Physically Active Older People

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the relationship between exercise and mood (MO), physical activity is being widely used as a nonpharmacological strategy in the treatment of depression. However, most studies have used sample groups of subjects who, besides suffering from ill health, are also older and sedentary, thus presenting wider “windows of adaptations” when compared to apparently healthy or physically active individuals. Thus, the effects of exercise on MO in physically active elderly individuals are yet to be clarified. Objective: To verify the acute effects of 30 minutes of walking of mild to moderate intensity on the MO of physically active elderly subjects. Methods: A total of 43 volunteers (86% women and 14% men), who participated regularly in an activity program offered by a health care institution in Alagoas, were selected in a non-probabilistic manner. MO was evaluated using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire before and after 30 minutes of walking. The comparison between means was verified with Student's t-test. Results: Relative differences were observed in all dimensions of MO, ranging from 16.4% (Vigor) to 56.3% (Rage). However, statistically significant differences were only found in the Vigor (p = 0.00) and Confusion (p = 0.026) dimensions. Conclusion: It is concluded that a 30-minute walk, performed at mild to moderate intensity, as recommended by the main medical guidelines for obtaining general health benefits, may be an effective way of promoting MO improvements in physically active elderly people. The study confirms the fact that walking may potentially be an interesting nonpharmacological strategy for the treatment of depression. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic studies - Investigating treatment results.