Physical activity and mental health in India: A narrative review

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 656-667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aishwarya Gonzalez Cherubal ◽  
Balasubramanian Suhavana ◽  
Ramachandran Padmavati ◽  
Vijaya Raghavan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Care Expenditure ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
Mesh Terms ◽  
The Impact

Background:Apart from its evident impact on physical health, physical activity also has a role to play in mental health. Individuals engaged in physical inactivity have been found to have higher morbidity and health care expenditure. In order to combat these issues and preserve mental health, interventions of exercise are typically advocated. This review aimed to assess the benefits of physical activity on common and severe mental disorders in the Indian context.Materials and methods:A Boolean search was carried out using both relevant keywords and MeSH terms. Articles were sourced from online databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Database, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. All studies included in the review were peer-reviewed articles exclusively from India with Indian subjects reporting the relationship between physical activity and at least one mental health outcome including depression, anxiety, psychosis, stress, self-esteem and cognitive functioning.Results:Nineteen articles were found eligible for the narrative review. Out of these, 7 were cross-sectional studies and 12 were intervention studies.Conclusion:Existing literature from India has shown promising results towards the impact of physical activity in mental health disorders. However, more research is needed in the assessment of physical activity and physical activity interventions suitable to the Indian context. This review found that exercise and yoga are effective in reducing mean scores for both severe and common mental disorders. Yoga had a more significant impact on patients with schizophrenia than exercise or no intervention. To confirm that exercise is an effective add-on treatment, further research is required.

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

scholarly journals Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Response to COVID-19 and Their Associations with Mental Health in 3052 US Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Meyer ◽  
Cillian McDowell ◽  
Jeni Lansing ◽  
Cassandra Brower ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Societal Changes ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic altered many facets of life. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19-related public health guidelines on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, mental health, and their interrelations. Cross-sectional data were collected from 3052 US adults 3–8 April 2020 (from all 50 states). Participants self-reported pre- and post-COVID-19 levels of moderate and vigorous PA, sitting, and screen time. Currently-followed public health guidelines, stress, loneliness, positive mental health (PMH), social connectedness, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were self-reported. Participants were grouped by meeting US PA guidelines, reporting ≥8 h/day of sitting, or ≥8 h/day of screen time, pre- and post-COVID-19. Overall, 62% of participants were female, with age ranging from 18–24 (16.6% of sample) to 75+ (9.3%). Self-reported PA was lower post-COVID among participants reporting being previously active (mean change: −32.3% [95% CI: −36.3%, −28.1%]) but largely unchanged among previously inactive participants (+2.3% [−3.5%, +8.1%]). No longer meeting PA guidelines and increased screen time were associated with worse depression, loneliness, stress, and PMH (p < 0.001). Self-isolation/quarantine was associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to social distancing (p < 0.001). Maintaining and enhancing physical activity participation and limiting screen time increases during abrupt societal changes may mitigate the mental health consequences.

Work-directed rehabilitation or physical activity to support work ability and mental health in common mental disorders: a pilot randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Danielsson ◽  
Margda Waern ◽  
Gunnel Hensing ◽  
Kristina Holmgren
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Ability Index ◽  
Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To evaluate feasibility and potential effectiveness of work-directed rehabilitation in people with common mental disorders. Design: Pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting: Primary healthcare, Sweden. Subjects: Working adults ( n = 42) of mean age 46.2 ± 11.1 years with depression or anxiety disorder. Interventions: Eight weeks of work-directed rehabilitation ( n = 21) or physical activity ( n = 21). Work-directed rehabilitation included sessions with a physiotherapist and/or an occupational therapist, to develop strategies to cope better at work. Physical activity included a planning session and access to a local gym. Main measures: Feasibility: attendance, discontinuation and adverse events. Measurements were the Work Ability Index, the Global Assessment of Functioning, the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the World Health Organization—Five Well-Being Index. Results: Attendance to rehabilitation sessions was 88% ( n = 147/167) and discontinuation rate was 14% ( n = 3/21). No serious adverse events were reported. Within both groups, there was a significant improvement in Work Ability Index score (mean change: 3.6 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45, 6.7) in work-directed rehabilitation and 3.9 (95% CI: 0.9, 7.0) in physical activity) with no significant difference between groups. For the other outcomes, significant improvements were found within but not between groups. Per-protocol analysis showed a trend toward the antidepressant effect of work-directed rehabilitation compared to physical activity (mean difference in depression score −3.1 (95% CI: −6.8, 0.4), P = 0.075). Conclusion: Work-directed rehabilitation was feasible to persons with common mental disorders and improved their work ability and mental health. Comparable improvements were seen in the physical activity group. Suggested modifications for a larger trial include adding a treatment-as-usual control.

scholarly journals Elderly health care in the Family Health Strategy and the prevalence of common mental disorders

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venício Aurélio Onofri Júnior ◽  
Vinícius Spazzapan Martins ◽  
Maria José Sanches Marin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Family Health Strategy

The aims of the present study were to characterize the reasons for medical appointments and treatment procedures of elderly people in the Estratégia Saúde da Família ("Family Health Strategy") (ESF), with emphasis on mental health, as well as to identify the prevalence of common mental disorders, and compare this with the approaches described in medical records. A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 219 elderly persons was performed by reviewing medical records and applying a Self-Response Questionnaire (SRQ-20). For this population the average number of appointments per year was three, 42.3% of appointments were to obtain a medical prescription, and 70.9% of medical procedures involved the provision of medical prescriptions. There were eight referrals to specialized mental health services. The most prescribed psychiatric drugs were anxiolytics (55%), and antidepressants (29.7%). A total of 19.6% of the elderly persons had scores above seven in the SRQ-20. It was observed that a large proportion of mental disorders were not detected, and there was a failure in the procedures adopted. More investment in patient flow and the definition of assistance criteria for this population is required.

scholarly journals Influence of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Physical and Psychosocial Well-being and Work Productivity of Remote Workers: Cross-sectional Correlational Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yessica Abigail Tronco Hernández ◽  
Fabio Parente ◽  
Mark A Faghy ◽  
Clare M P Roscoe ◽  
Frances A Maratos
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Remote Workers ◽  
Distress Scale ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the living and working habits of millions of people, with potentially important implications for their physical, mental, and social well-being. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remote workers who were not directly affected by COVID-19. METHODS This was a correlational cross-sectional study (with an additional qualitative component) of 184 remote workers surveyed during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom. Standard measures of mental health (Kessler-6 Distress Scale), productivity (Brief Instrument to Assess Workers’ Productivity During a Working Day), and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were used, and respondents were further surveyed on changes to their dietary, exercise, smoking, drinking, and socialization habits to produce a well-being change index. RESULTS The results revealed associations between sedentary behavior and poorer mental health (<i>τ</i><sub>b</sub>=0.14) and between poorer mental health and low work productivity (<i>τ</i><sub>b</sub>=–0.39). However, both positive and negative lifestyle changes were reported; a self-reported increase in well-being (with respect to diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and socialization) since the start of the pandemic was associated with both better mental health (<i>τ</i><sub>b</sub>=–0.14) and better work productivity (<i>τ</i><sub>b</sub>=0.14). Of note, among respondents without a mental health diagnosis (137/184, 74.4%), we observed rates of moderate (76/137, 55.5%) and severe (17/137, 12.4%) psychological distress, which were markedly higher than those reported in large prepandemic studies; moreover, 70.1% (129/184) of our respondents reported more sedentary behavior, 41% (69/168) increased their alcohol consumption, and 38.6% (71/184) increased their overall food intake. However, 46% (75/163), 44.8% (39/87) and 51.8% (57/110) of respondents reported spending more time walking and engaging in more moderate and vigorous exercise, respectively. Qualitative analysis revealed many positive adaptations to lockdowns (eg, decreased commuting expenses, flexibility) but also a number of structural obstacles to remote working (eg, lack of support and high expectations from employers, childcare duties). CONCLUSIONS These findings may be of practical importance for policy makers and employers in a world in which work involves long-term remote or hybrid employment arrangements; strategies to promote more sustainable remote working are discussed.

scholarly journals Living under siege: resilience, hopelessness, and psychological distress among Palestinian students in the Gaza Strip

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guido Veronese ◽  
Alessandro Pepe ◽  
Marwan Diab ◽  
Yasser Abu Jamey ◽  
Ashraf Kagee
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Gaza Strip ◽  
Mental Symptoms ◽  
The Gaza Strip ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Moving from an approach oriented to adaptation and functioning, the current paper explored the network of cumulative associations between the effects of the siege and resilience on mental health. Methods We sought to explore the impact of the siege on psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and stress) and the moderating effect of resilience and hopelessness in a sample of 550 Palestinian university students. We hypothesized that the siege effect would impact psychological distress so that the more people were affected by the siege, the more mental symptoms of common mental disorders they would report. We also expected that the siege would negatively impact both resilience and participants' hopelessness. Results Findings showed that higher scores on the scale measuring effect of the siege were associated with hopelessness. Furthermore, living under siege compromised participants’ resilience. The more the siege affected individuals, the lower resilience were protecting participants mental health and the more hopelessness was exposing them to anxiety, stress, and depression. Conclusion Our findings draw attention to how the ongoing violation of human rights influences people's mental health in Gaza. Implications for clinicians and policymakers are discussed.

scholarly journals Impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on the Mental Health and Physical Activity of Pharmacy Students at the University of Zambia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steward Mudenda ◽  
Moses Mukosha ◽  
Chiluba Mwila ◽  
Zikria Saleem ◽  
Aubrey Chichoni Kalungia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Time Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a serious global health problem that has negatively impacted the mental health of students.MethodsWe conducted an online descriptive cross-sectional study among 273 undergraduate pharmacy students at the University of Zambia. A partial proportional odds regression model was used to determine the predictors of anxiety. All statistical tests were set at 95% confidence level (p<0.05).ResultsA response rate of 70% was obtained with the majority of the students being female 51.6%. Of the 273 respondents, 23.8% did not experience anxiety, 34.4% experienced mild anxiety, 24.9% experienced moderate anxiety while 16.9% experienced severe anxiety about COVID-19. It was also found that 61.2% of students reported that their attention to mental health increased during the COVID-19 pandemic whereas 44.3% reported an increased resting time with a significant reduction in relaxation 51.3% and physical activity 45.4% time. Factors that affected mental health included; reduced family care (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.09-4.74), not changing attention to mental health (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.18-0.62), being in the final year of study (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13-0.84), reduced time of resting (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.26-3.50) and feeling helpless (OR: 0.42; 95% CI:0.23-0.75).ConclusionCOVID-19 negatively impacted the mental health and physical activity of pharmacy students at the University of Zambia. This can have negative health and academic outcomes for students going forward. Higher learning institutions and key stakeholders should implement measures to aid students to recover from the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health and physical activity.

scholarly journals Poor physical activity as a risk factor for mental health disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Stubbs
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Hippocampal Neurogenesis ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment

Abstract Rates of common mental disorders appear to be increasing among both adolescent and adult population affecting life quality and expectancy. Availability of the treatments il limited to a large portion of the global population thus new approaches toward the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses need to emerge in order to reduce the global and growing burden of these conditions. A great body of evidence has linked both the onset and symptoms of various mental disorders to lifestyle factors such as physical activity and diet. Given their modifiable nature, there has been an increasing interest in the implementation of physical activity in the prevention and adjunctive treatment among people with mental illnesses. Robust evidence indicates that physical activity may in fact, by influencing a range of biological and psychosocial processes, contribute to healthy aging, improve sleep and preserve cognition across the lifespan as well as affect associated with mental disorders serious physical health comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, metabolic risk factors such as adiposity and premature mortality. The plausible effects of physical activity toward mental health may be at least partially explained by its potential in modulating hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Finally, higher levels of physical activity have been consistently associated with a reduced risk of both affective and cognitive disorders.

scholarly journals Physical activity and common mental disorders

2010 ◽  
Vol 197 (5) ◽  
pp. 357-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel B. Harvey ◽  
Matthew Hotopf ◽  
Simon Øverland ◽  
Arnstein Mykletun
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time Activity ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that physical activity may have antidepressant and/or anti-anxiety effects.AimsTo examine the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and common mental disorders and establish the importance of context, type and intensity of activity undertaken.MethodA clinical examination of 40 401 residents of Norway was undertaken. Participants answered questions relating to the frequency and intensity of both leisure-time and workplace activity. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Biological and social data were also collected.ResultsThere was an inverse relationship between the amount of leisure-time physical activity and case-level symptoms of depression. This cross-sectional association was only present with leisure-time (as opposed to workplace) activity and was not dependent on the intensity of activities undertaken. Higher levels of social support and social engagement were important in explaining the relationship between leisure activity and depression. Biological changes such as alterations to parasympathetic vagal tone (resting pulse) and changes to metabolic markers had a less important role.ConclusionsIndividuals who engage in regular leisure-time activity of any intensity are less likely to have symptoms of depression. The context and social benefits of exercise are important in explaining this relationship.

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