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Exercise and nutrition in the mental health of the older adult population: A randomized controlled clinical trial
The aging global population presents substantial challenges for healthcare systems as demographics shift towards older age groups. In this randomized controlled study by Carcelén-Fraile et al. (2024), 116 persons 65 years of age or older were divided into two groups at random: the experimental group (n = 57) received a program consisting of both resistance exercise and a Mediterranean diet, while the control group (n = 59) received no intervention. Participants underwent evaluations using the following assessment tools: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS, investigating anxiety and depression), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI, investigating sleep quality), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS, investigating perceived stress). The authors observed significant improvements within both groups and between them in anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and various PSQI domains: sleep duration, subjective sleep quality, medication use, sleep disturbances, and overall PSQI score, however, no substantial differences in daytime dysfunction or sleep latency were observed. The authors conclude that these findings indicate how resistance training may serve as an effective non-pharmacological approach to enhancing mental health and sleep quality among older adults aged 65 and above, thereby contributing to their overall well-being. [NPID: Resistance program, Mediterranean diet, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, perceived stress]
Year: 2024
