The Effect of Short-Term Aerobic Exercise on Depression and Body Image in Iranian Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of short-term aerobic exercise on depression symptoms and body image attitudes among Iranian women. In this quasiexperimental study, 82 females were assigned to experimental group (aerobic exercise group, n = 41) or control group (waiting list, n = 41) and evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory-second edition (BDI-II) and Multidimensional Body Self-Relation Questionnaire (MBSRQ), respectively. The experimental group received four-week aerobic exercise program, and control group had been asked to wait for the next four weeks. Results of this study confirmed the significant decrease in depression symptoms at the experimental group compared to control group (P < 0.5). For the body image dependent variables, significant improvement was also found in appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, health orientation, and illness orientation in aerobic exercise group (P < 0.5).

A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Cognitive Group Therapy and Aerobic Exercise in the Treatment of Depression among the Students

“…This is compatible with the findings of Nabkasorn et al (2006), McCann andHolmes (1984), Dimeo et al (2001) Zarshenas et al (2008 and Craft (2005).…”

“…Studies have shown that although pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are useful in the treatment of such a disorder, exercise can also be effective in the treatment for depression. Many studies have examined the effects of aerobic exercise on depression and revealed that aerobic exercise is effective in improving depression and it can lead to a reduction in the depression symptoms of patients (Dimeo et al, 2001;McCann & Holmes, 1984;Zarshenas et al, 2008). Some studies have also represented that exercise has the same effect as cognitive therapy and pharmacotherapy.…”

Comparison of the Effect of Aerobic Exercise and Antidepressant Medications on Depression and Sexual Desire of Depressed Middle-Aged Women

“…In case of depressed women that only performed aerobic exercises, our results were consistent with the results of the studies conducted by Martinson et al (19) and Zarshenas et al (17), showing that performance of aerobic exercise alone does not exert positive effect on the depression of these depressed women.…”

“…Results of this study with regards to the use of anti-depressant drug alone in depressed women was consistent with the results of the studies conducted by El Shamy et al (16), but the results of our study were inconsistent with the results of the studies conducted by Zarshenas et al (17) and Hekmati et al (18).…”

The Association Between Family Flexibility, Food Preoccupation and Body Image Among Crystal Abuser Women

“…Because of an emphasis on diet and impotence in different social levels, factors associated with weight loss such as a body image require more attention (7) Body image is a ‘‘multifaceted psychological experience of embodiment’’ which encompasses evaluative thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors related to one’s own physical appearance (6) and body image can be influenced by factors such as physical growth, individual interactions with social environment, accidents, injuries (8). On the other hand, the prevalence of body dissatisfaction is a major concern, because defects and mental disorders such as low self-esteem, depression, social anxiety, eating disorders, sexual disorders and diseases are associated with body deformity (9). The most popular approach among people for negative body image is weight loss (10).…”