Effect of pedometer-based walking on depression, anxiety and insomnia among postmenopausal women.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of pedometer-based walking on anxiety, insomnia, and depression among postmenopausal women.
Results Summary
The study found that pedometer-based walking significantly reduced anxiety and insomnia by the 8th and 12th weeks, and depression intensity decreased after 12 weeks in the intervention group compared to the control group. Step counts increased significantly over the study period.
Population
Postmenopausal women in Iran (n = 106).
Effective Dosage
Participants were asked to increase their steps by 500 per week.
Duration
12 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pedometer-based walking | decrease | levels of anxiety | postmenopausal women | 4.2 ± 2.1 vs. 5.4 ± 2.3 (8th week) | decreased | #1 |
pedometer-based walking | decrease | levels of anxiety | postmenopausal women | 4.3 ± 2.8 vs. 7.2 ± 2.6 (12th week) | decreased | #2 |
pedometer-based walking | decrease | levels of insomnia | postmenopausal women | 4.2 ± 2.1 vs. 5.4 ± 2.3 (8th week) | decreased | #3 |
pedometer-based walking | decrease | levels of insomnia | postmenopausal women | 4.3 ± 2.8 vs. 7.2 ± 2.6 (12th week) | decreased | #4 |
pedometer-based walking | decrease | depression intensity | postmenopausal women | 13.7 ± 5 vs. 19.6 ± 4.79 (12 weeks) | decreased | #5 |
pedometer-based walking | increase | step count | postmenopausal women | from 76,377 steps per month to 106,398 steps per month (1st to 3rd month) | increased | #6 |
OBJECTIVE: Insomnia, anxiety, and depression are some psychological symptoms associated with menopause. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pedometer-based walking on anxiety, insomnia, and depression among postmenopausal women. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial, 106 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 53 in each group). Their anxiety, insomnia, and depression levels were assessed using the GHQ-28 and Beck questionnaires in the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks of intervention. The depression level was assessed in the beginning, and in the 12th week of the trial. The members of the intervention group each received a pedometer and were asked to increase their steps by 500 per week. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, χ(2) and repeated-measures tests. RESULTS: The levels of anxiety and insomnia decreased in the 8th (4.2 ± 2.1 vs. 5.4 ± 2.3, p = 0.007) and 12th week (4.3 ± 2.8 vs. 7.2 ± 2.6, p < 0.001) in the intervention group, compared with the control group. The depression intensity decreased in the intervention group, compared with the control group, after 12 weeks (13.7 ± 5 vs. 19.6 ± 4.79, p < 0.001). The intervention group increased their step count from 76,377 steps per month in the first month, to 106 398 in the 3rd month (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that pedometer-based walking had a positive effect on depression, insomnia and anxiety among postmenopausal women. A walking training program can be considered for postmenopausal women in Iran.