Comparison of moderate and vigorous walking exercise on reducing depression in middle-aged and older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of moderate versus vigorous walking exercise, as per WHO guidelines, in alleviating depression in middle-aged and older adults.
Results Summary
The study preliminarily compared 150 minutes of moderate walking and 75 minutes of vigorous walking weekly, assessing depression severity, anxiety, sleep quality, quality of life, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Thirty participants completed the study, but specific outcome results were not detailed in the abstract.
Population
Middle-aged and older adults
Effective Dosage
150 minutes of moderate walking or 75 minutes of vigorous walking weekly, three times a week
Duration
12 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
150-300 minutes of moderate or 75-150 minutes of vigorous aerobic-type physical activity weekly or an equivalent combination of both | decrease | depression | adults and older adults | - | reduced risk | #1 |
150 minutes of moderate walking exercise weekly | decrease | depression | middle-aged and older adults | - | alleviating | #2 |
75 minutes of vigorous walking exercise weekly | decrease | depression | middle-aged and older adults | - | alleviating | #3 |
The optimal intensity of physical activity for alleviating depression in middle-aged and older adults remains unclear. The World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity guidelines recommend adults and older adults to accumulate at least 150-300 minutes of moderate or 75-150 minutes of vigorous aerobic-type physical activity weekly or an equivalent combination of both for health benefits including reduced risk of depression. This parallel, assessor-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial preliminarily compared the effectiveness of the minimal volume of aerobic-type physical activity at different intensities as recommended by WHO (150 minutes of moderate walking exercise and 75 minutes of vigorous walking exercise weekly) on alleviating depression in middle-aged and older adults. Thirty-five participants were randomized to the control group (CON), moderate walking exercise group (MOD), or vigorous walking exercise group (VIG). The exercise frequency was three times a week and the intervention duration was 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the severity of depression assessed by Beck Depression Inventory. Secondary outcomes included severity of anxiety, sleep quality, quality of life, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Thirty participants completed the study (CON: