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FYSIOTERAPEUTEN 7/16

35

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- cer

survivors, with depressive and

anxie- ty

symptoms (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-