Exercise training and health-related quality of life in generalized anxiety disorder

Matthew P. Herring, Kristen E. Johnson, Patrick J. O'Connor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective To quantify the effects of six-weeks of resistance (RET) and aerobic exercise training (AET) on quality of life (QoL) among sedentary women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Design Data from our published randomized controlled trial of the effects of six-weeks of either RET or AET among GAD patients were analyzed. Method Thirty women with GAD were randomized to either six weeks of twice-weekly lower-body weightlifting or cycling, or wait-list control (WL). SF-36 subscales assessed dimensions of QoL. Hedges’ d effect sizes (95%CIs) quantified the magnitude of change in response to exercise training compared to WL. Results RET significantly improved role-physical (d = 1.04; 95%CI: [0.11–1.97]), role-emotional (d = 0.96; [0.04–1.89]), and mental health (d = 1.05; [0.11–1.98]). AET resulted in significant improvements in physical function (d = 1.31; [0.34–2.27]) and vitality (d = 0.93; [0.01–1.85]). Conclusions Exercise training improves dimensions of QoL among GAD patients. The largest effects were observed for role impairments, physical function, vitality, and mental health.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)138-141
Number of pages4
JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise
Volume27
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2016

Keywords

  • Aerobic exercise
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Mental health
  • SF-36
  • Weight lifting

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exercise training and health-related quality of life in generalized anxiety disorder'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this