scholarly journals Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing During the first COVID-19 Containment in New Zealand: A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy J O’Brien ◽  
Claire E Badenhorst ◽  
Nick Draper ◽  
Arindam Basu ◽  
Catherine A Elliot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
High Activity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Study Results

Strategies implemented worldwide to contain COVID-19 outbreaks varied in severity across different countries, and established a new normal for work and school life (i.e. from home) for many people, reducing opportunities for physical activity. Positive relationships of physical activity with both mental and physical health are well recognised, therefore the aim was to ascertain how New Zealand’s lockdown restrictions impacted physical activity and mental health and wellbeing. Participants (n=4007; mean±SD: age 46.5±14.7y, 72% female, 80.7% New Zealand European) completed (10–26 April 2020) an online amalgamated survey (Qualtrics): International Physical Activity Questionnaire: Short Form; Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-9; World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index; Stages of Change Scale. Positive dose response relationships between physical activity levels and wellbeing scores were demonstrated for estimates that were unadjusted (moderate activity OR 3.79, CI 2.88-4.92; high activity OR 8.04, CI 6.07-10.7) and adjusted (confounding variables: age, gender, socioeconomic status, time sitting, co-morbidities) (moderate activity 1.57, CI 1.11-2.52; high activity 2.85, CI 1.97-4.14). The study results support previous research demonstrating beneficial effects of regular physical activity on mental health and wellbeing. Governments may use such results to promote meeting physical activity guidelines in order to protect mental health and wellbeing during the ongoing COVID-19 and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing during the First COVID-19 Containment in New Zealand: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12036
Author(s):  
Wendy J. O’Brien ◽  
Claire E. Badenhorst ◽  
Nick Draper ◽  
Arindam Basu ◽  
Catherine A. Elliot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
High Activity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Study Results

Strategies implemented worldwide to contain COVID-19 outbreaks varied in severity across different countries, and established a new normal for work and school life (i.e., from home) for many people, reducing opportunities for physical activity. Positive relationships of physical activity with both mental and physical health are well recognised, and therefore the aim was to ascertain how New Zealand’s lockdown restrictions impacted physical activity, mental health and wellbeing. Participants (n = 4007; mean ± SD: age 46.5 ± 14.7 years, 72% female, 80.7% New Zealand European) completed (10–26 April 2020) an online amalgamated survey (Qualtrics): International Physical Activity Questionnaire: Short Form; Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-9; World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index; Stages of Change Scale. Positive dose–response relationships between physical activity levels and wellbeing scores were demonstrated for estimates that were unadjusted (moderate activity OR 3.79, CI 2.88–4.92; high activity OR 8.04, CI 6.07–10.7) and adjusted (confounding variables: age, gender, socioeconomic status, time sitting and co-morbidities) (moderate activity 1.57, CI 1.11–2.52; high activity 2.85, CI 1.97–4.14). The study results support previous research demonstrating beneficial effects of regular physical activity on mental health and wellbeing. Governments may use these results to promote meeting physical activity guidelines in order to protect mental health and wellbeing during the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during early COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Faulkner ◽  
Wendy O'Brien ◽  
Bronagh McGrane ◽  
Daniel Wadsworth ◽  
John Batten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exercise Behaviour ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Health And Well Being

Objectives: To assess how the early stages of National governments Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment strategies impacted upon the physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia Design: Observational, cross-sectional Setting: Online survey disseminated in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia within the first 2-6 weeks of government mandated COVID-19 restrictions Participants: Adults (n = 8,425; 44.5 [14.8] y), ≥ 18 y who were residing in the surveyed countries Main outcome measures: Stages of Change scale for exercise behaviour change, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short-form), World Health Organisation-5 Well-being Index and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9 Results: Participants who reported a negative change in exercise behaviour between pre- and during the early COVID-19 restrictions demonstrated poorer mental health and well-being compared to those who had either a positive change- or no change in their exercise behaviour (p<0.001). Whilst women reported more positive changes in exercise behaviour, young people (18-29y) reported more negative changes (both p<0.001). Individuals who engaged in more physical activity reported better mental health and well-being (p<0.001). Although there were no differences in physical activity between countries, individuals in New Zealand reported better mental health and well-being (p<0.001). Conclusion: The COVID-19 restrictions have differentially impacted upon the physical activity habits of individuals based upon their age and sex, and therefore have important implications for international policy and guideline recommendations. Public health interventions that encourage physical activity should target specific groups (e.g., men, young adults) who are most vulnerable to the negative effects of physical distancing and/or self-isolation.

scholarly journals Assessing the level of well-being in individuals practicing sport

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-19
Author(s):  
Magdalena Pieniążek ◽  
Grzegorz Mańko ◽  
Angelika Sosulska ◽  
Jarosław Jaszczur-Nowicki ◽  
Irina Lozinska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Mental Condition ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Study Results

Background and aim: There is an increasing body of evidence that physical exercise may have a positive effect on people’s mental condition and well-being. Numerous study results indicate that physical activity helps in the treatment of depression and anxiety. This allows for a conclusion that sport – to a great extent – influences not only people’s physical aspects, but also their psyche. Sedentary lifestyle, time pressure and stress that accompanies people at an increasingly younger age contribute both to higher incidence of numerous civilisation diseases and to problems with mental health. The purpose of the study was to verify whether individuals practicing sports manifest better well-being than non-training individuals. Methods: A general interview was conducted with 80 students (40 individuals practicing sports and 40 individuals not practicing sports at all), whereupon they were requested to complete the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale questionnaire. Results: The individuals practicing sport exhibit greater well-being than the subjects from the control group. It was also demonstrated that the males in the study group exhibit greater wellbeing than the females from the same group However, no findings were made that longer duration of a single training session, its frequency or the time when a given person started practicing sport had any influence on his/her well-being. Conclusions: Practicing sports has a positive influence on people’s well-being. Physical activity should be promoted from as early an age as possible to minimise the risk of numerous diseases in the future, including those affecting mental health.

scholarly journals Trajectories of material living standards, physical health and mental health under a universal pension

2020 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 362-368
Author(s):  
Joanne Allen ◽  
Fiona M Alpass
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Material Hardship ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

ObjectiveAged pension schemes aim to support material and non-material well-being of older populations. The current work aimed to describe dominant trajectories of material living standards in the decades prior to and following eligibility for an aged pension, and describe associated trajectories of physical and mental health.MethodsLongitudinal data on living standards and indices of health Short Form 12 were collected over 2–12 years follow-up from 4811 New Zealand adults aged 55–76. Growth mixture models were used to identify dominant trajectories of living standards with age. Latent growth curve models were used to describe trajectories of physical and mental health associated with each living standards trajectory class.ResultsA group characterised by good living standards with age (81.5%) displayed physical and mental health scores comparable to those of the general adult population. Smaller groups experienced hardship but increasing living standards (11.8%) and hardship and declining living standards (6.8%). While both groups in hardship experienced poor health in the decade prior pension eligibility, mental health improved among those with increasing living standards, while physical and mental health declined among those with declining living standards.ConclusionUnder the current policy settings, a majority of older adults in New Zealand maintain a good level of living standards and health in later life. However, significant proportions experience material hardship and poor health in the decade prior to pension eligibility. Alleviation of material hardship may reduce health inequalities in later life.

scholarly journals The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic Movement Restrictions on Self-Reported Physical Activity and Health in New Zealand: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1719
Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Meiring ◽  
Silmara Gusso ◽  
Eloise McCullough ◽  
Lynley Bradnam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Positive Effect

This study describes self-reported physical activity (PA), motivation to exercise, physical and mental health and feelings towards PA during the March-May 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand. Adults over the age of 18 years (n = 238; 80.2% female) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 3, the Short Form-36 and open-ended questions about PA through an anonymous online survey. Regular exercise was undertaken by 85% of respondents prior to lockdown, but only 49.8% were able to maintain their usual level of PA. Although respondents were considered sufficiently physically active from the IPAQ, 51.5% reported not being able to maintain their usual level of PA primarily due to the closure of their gym facilities. Sixty percent of respondents reported that PA had a positive effect on their overall wellbeing. When asked to specify which aspects of wellbeing were affected, the effect on mental health was reported the most while the effect on body image or fitness was reported the least. Strategies to increase or maintain engagement in physical activity during lockdowns should be encouraged to promote positive mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Coping Through Football Project: Physical Activity and Psychosocial Outcomes

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 276-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bettina Friedrich ◽  
Oliver John Mason
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Vigorous Activity ◽  
Short Term ◽  
The Impact

Background: Football is increasingly used as an adjunct intervention for people with mental problems, intended to improve their mental, physical and social health. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate psychosocial outcomes and physical activity in participants of “Coping Through Football” (CTF), a London-based football intervention for people who receive secondary mental health care. Methods: In a one group pre-post study design, participants completed self-report measures on physical activity and mental well-being at baseline (i.e. when joining the intervention), and at 6 months and 12 months thereafter. Perceived quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF which assess domains such as physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships and environment. The Rosenberg Self-esteem scale was used to measure self-esteem in the participants. Self-reported physical activity (vigorous activity, moderate activity, walking and sitting) was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: For the 6 months follow up, data was available for 72 participants; at 12 month follow up data was available for 32 participants. Levels of vigorous activity doubled between baseline (102.98 min/week) and the short term follow up (196.85 min/week) as well as between baseline (117.26 min/week) and the one year follow up (248.23 min/week). For moderate activity, we find similar results with an improvement from 78.13 min/week at baseline to 149 min/week at the short term follow up and an increase from 87.74 min/week at baseline to 209.61 min/week. Increases on psychosocial measures were more modest, reaching significance at only the 6 month time point. There were no statistically significant changes with regard to the time spent sitting or walking at either the 6 or the 12 month follow up. Conclusion: While the impact on psychosocial measures was only moderate, the increase in physical activity in participants encourages the use of adjunct football interventions for people with mental health problems as a means to increase physical activity levels.

The Mediating Effects of Resilience, Morale, and Sense of Coherence Between Physical Activity and Perceived Physical/Mental Health Among Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 544-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroko Kukihara ◽  
Niwako Yamawaki ◽  
Michiyo Ando ◽  
Yoshiko Tamura ◽  
Kumi Arita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
The Relationship

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effects of resilience, morale, and sense of coherence on the relationship between physical activity and respondents’ perceived physical/mental health and depression among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. The study included 369 participants with an average age of 74 years from Kasuishimohara District in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. They completed a survey that included the Resilience Scale, the Sense of Coherence Scale, the Medical Outcomes Short Form 8, the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale (Short Form), and a demographic questionnaire. The results of the path mediation analyses revealed that resilience and morale fully mediated the relationship between physical activity and perceived physical/mental health and depression. However, sense of coherence was not a significant mediator. Some intervention programs are suggested to maximize the effects of physical activity on one’s well-being. At-risk populations who need such programs are also discussed.

scholarly journals Can Viewing Nature Through Windows Improve Isolated Living? A Pathway Analysis on Chinese Male Prisoners During the COVID-19 Epidemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hansen Li ◽  
Xing Zhang ◽  
Chengming You ◽  
Xin Chen ◽  
Yang Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Distress Tolerance ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Male Prisoners

Nature exposure is known to promote life satisfaction and well-being, and indirect exposure through windows is likely to benefit isolated populations. However, whether such type of exposure can benefit prisoners, the extremely isolated population, is unknown. In the current study, we investigated 326 male prisoners from three prisons in southwest China. Psychological variables including depression, anxiety, loneliness, distress tolerance, life satisfaction, and well-being were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6), Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), respectively. Structural equation modeling was employed to identify the pathways from the visibility of nature through windows to prisoners' life satisfaction and well-being. Our results demonstrated that visibility of nature promoted the frequency and duration of viewing nature through windows. The frequency directly affected well-being, but the duration did not effectively affect any measured variables. The visibility of nature enhanced life satisfaction mainly via direct effects but enhanced well-being mainly via indirect effects. Regarding the indirect pathways, the visibility of nature increased distress tolerance and thus reduced loneliness and mental health problems. The reduced mental health problem, in turn, promoted life satisfaction and well-being. Our findings suggest that nature exposure through windows is effective in enhancing prisoners' life satisfaction and well-being. The policymaker may need to consider nature-based solutions such as indirect nature exposure in prions to benefit isolated populations.

scholarly journals Exercising Alone or Exercising With Others and Mental Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Longitudinal Analysis of Cross-Lagged and Simultaneous Effects

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 556-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuhiro Harada ◽  
Kouhei Masumoto ◽  
Narihiko Kondo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Japanese Version ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Total Physical Activity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background: Although the beneficial effects of physical activity and exercise on mental health are well known, the optimal conditions for them for benefitting mental health are still unclear. Engaging in exercise with others might have more desirable effects on mental health than engaging in exercise alone. This study examined the associations between exercising alone, exercising with others, and mental health among middle-aged and older adults. Methods: Baseline and 1-year follow-up surveys were conducted with 129 individuals. Time spent exercising alone or with others was measured using a 7-day diary survey. Total physical activity was objectively measured using an accelerometer. Mental well-being was assessed using the simplified Japanese version of the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index, and mental distress was assessed using the Japanese version of the Kessler Distress Scale (K6). Results: Cross-lagged and simultaneous effects models revealed that exercising with others positively influenced mental well-being. Exercising alone and total physical activity did not significantly influence mental well-being. Neither total physical activity, exercising alone, nor exercising with others was significantly associated with mental distress. Conclusion: Engaging in exercise with others could be effective in improving mental well-being relative to engaging in exercise alone.

scholarly journals Interventional Effect of Bhramari Pranayama on Mental Health among college Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suprabha Srivastava ◽  
Preeti Goyal ◽  
Shraddhesh Kumar Tiwari ◽  
Ashok Kumar Patel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Exercise Session ◽  
Single Group ◽  
Graduate Courses ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Mind And Body ◽  
Health Organization

Mental health as a being of well being in which individual realize his or her own abilities, can cope with normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully, able to make his or her community (World Health Organization, 2014). The present study is aimed to measure the interventional effect of Bhramari Pranayama on Mental Health in students.  Total 60 subjects of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar who enrolled in under graduate courses were selected. A mental health scale (Kamlesh Sharma 1996) was administered as a single group pre and post study. Fifteen minutes Bhramari Pranayam exercise session for 20 days used as an intervention variable in the study. Results revealed that Bhramari Pranayama intervention was found significant effect on mental health and increased level of mental health was found in post study in comparison to pre study.  This concludes that Bhramari Pranayama provides a means to individual peace, happiness, develops optimism attitude, self esteem and proper coordination between mind and body.

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