The relationship between exercise and mental health : A life stage perspective

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Other Title
  • 運動と精神的健康の関係 : ライフステージの観点から
  • ウンドウ ト セイシンテキ ケンコウ ノ カンケイ ライフステージ ノ カンテン カラ

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine exercise participation, mental health status, and the relationship among these variables using a life stage perspective. A questionnaire was administered by mail to 3500 male and 3500 female adults who were selected using a randomized sampling method. Fifty-six and a half percent of participants returned the questionnaire, and 1478 male and 1778 female adults (46.5%) responded to all of the questions on the survey instrument and were included in this study. The Kasari's physical activity scale (1976) was used to measure exercise participation, and a physical activity score was calculated using frequency, intensity and duration of exercise and sport activity for the past one month. In addition, two items were included to measure stress and quality of life as indicators of mental health. Results revealed that the relationship between physical activity scores (exercise participation) and life stage followed an U-shaped curve: the exercise participation score at 30 years was the lowest, and the curve was more pronounced in male compared to female participants. The results also indicated that mental health for both male and female participants improved with age, and that mental health status was better for male in comparison to female participants. Exercise participation was positively associated with mental health status examining both male and female subjects, yet this positive relationship was not found in 20 or 30 year old subjects. This study suggests that the psychological benefits of exercise participation are greater for middle-aged and senior participants, while younger participants may not show the same benefits.

Journal

  • 健康科学

    健康科学 27 27-32, 2005-03-25

    Institute of Health Science, Kyushu University

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