Research article - (2021)20, 222 - 228
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2021.222
Low-Intensity Exercise as a Modifier of Depressive Symptoms and Self-Perceived Stress Level in Women with Metabolic Syndrome
Paulina Morga1, Błażej Cieślik2,, Małgorzata Sekułowicz1, Maria Bujnowska-Fedak3, Iris Drower4, Joanna Szczepańska-Gieracha5
1Faculty of Physical Education, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, Poland
2Faculty of Health Sciences, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Poland
3Family Medicine Department, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
4Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Arizona State University, USA
5Faculty of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, Poland

Błażej Cieślik
✉ Faculty of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University, Waszyngtona 4/8, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
Email: b.cieslik@ujd.edu.pl
Received: 19-09-2020 -- Accepted: 01-02-2021
Published (online): 05-03-2021
ABSTRACT

The study aims to determine the impact of low-intensity exercise and psychoeducation on depressive symptoms and self-perceived stress in women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Seventy-four women (mean age 69.35 ± 7.20) were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: those with MetS (n = 33) and those without MetS (n = 41). Subjects participated in low-intensity general-fitness exercise sessions combined with psychoeducation distributed regularly over a 12-week period. Participants completed the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS) and the Stress Level Questionnaire (SLQ) before and after the intervention. All investigated parameters significantly decreased for the participants with metabolic syndrome after the intervention. The level of GDS in this group decreased by approximately 37% (p < 0.01), and SLQ by around 23% (p < 0.01). Our results suggest, that low-intensity exercise combined with psychoeducation could lower depressive symptoms and stress level in women with MetS. However, the intervention does not lower anthropometric parameter scores.
Key words: Low-intensity exercise, mental health, women, metabolic syndrome, physical activity

Key Points
  • The low-intensity physical exercises combined with psychoeducation can significantly lower depression and stress levels in women with metabolic syndrome.
  • The intervention does not lower anthropometric parameter scores.
  • Improving mental condition is a good starting point for further health-related activities that can also contribute to weight reduction in the long run.








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Low-Intensity Exercise as a Modifier of Depressive Symptoms and Self-Perceived Stress Level in Women with Metabolic Syndrome
Paulina Morga, Błażej Cieślik, Małgorzata Sekułowicz, Maria Bujnowska-Fedak, Iris Drower, Joanna Szczepańska-Gieracha
2021(20), 222 - 228.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2021.222