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Numerous physiotherapy interventions are poten-
tially effective in improving physical and mental
health and health related quality of life.
viate sleep disturbances and improve cogni-
tive functioning (13,16).
Effect of exercise on anxiety, depression
and mood disorders
Depression alone affects 400 million people
globally (17). Segar ML et al (1998) obser-
ved that mild to moderate aerobic exercise
might be of therapeutic value to breast
can- cersurvivors, with depressive and
anxie- tysymptoms (18). Bartholomew et al. (2005)
observed that a single session of moderate
intensity treadmill exercise was sufficient
to improve the mood and well-being of pa-
tients with moderate depressive disorder.
They also observed that regular exercise co-
uld protect against relapse to previous levels
of depression (19). Exercise prescribed in
cases of major depression includes aerobic
training and strength training (3).
Post trauma stress disorder (PTSD) is an
anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive
re-experiencing of trauma, hyper arousal,
numbing and avoidance. Often individuals
with PTSD have problems identifying and
controlling their emotions, physical states
or sensations, which can lead to difficulty
in self-care and ability to care for others.The
Basic Body Awareness Therapy approach to
trauma treatment focus on accessing and
accepting sensory and emotional awareness
in the body, treatment of physical pain. This
is an important foundation for self-aware-
ness and self-regulation in the treatment of
PTSD (20).
Guszkowska et al stated that changes in
anxiety, mood and depression after exercise
are due to endorphin and monoamine hy-
potheses. It also improves self-efficacy, dis-
traction and cognitive dissonance (3).
Effect of exercise on mental health in
gynaecological disorders
Menopause often result in hot flashes,
weight gain, fatigue, aches and pains, uri-
nary tract infections, depressed mood and
sleep disorders. Exercise has been shown
to reduce anxiety, depression and negative
mood. This effect is caused by an increased
presence of hypothalamic and peripheral
endorphin production, acting as hormone
replacement therapy (9).
Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) has
reproductive, psychological and cardio me-
tabolic features. Obesity is also associated
with PCOS. PCOS may lead to anxiety, de-
pression, reduced quality of life, eating disor-
ders, social withdrawal and sleep disorders.
Reduction in depression and improvement
in quality of life was observed by combining
physical activity and dietary intervention in
PCOS (21). Six months of brisk walking was
found to reduce total plasma homocysteine
concentration in overweight young women
with PCOS. Homocysteine promotes athe-
rosclerosis. Regular exercise improve en-