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Sport Sciences for Health

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01-12-2021 | Affective Disorder | Original Article

Individuals’ depression and anxiety might be influenced by the level of physical activity and expertise: a pilot study on elite volleyball players and amateur athletes

Authors: Maria Grazia Vaccaro, Maurizio Bertollo, Laura Guidetti, Aldo Quattrone, Gian Pietro Emerenziani

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Purpose

To compare depression and anxiety between elite volleyball players (VP) and amateur athletes (AA).

Methods

Depression and anxiety levels were assessed in 31 elite VP and 26 AA. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered to assess physical activity level (PAL). Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y 1–2 were administered to assess an individual’s depression and anxiety levels.

Results

VP showed a significantly lower depression (p = 0.018) and trait anxiety (p = 0.038) levels than AA (BDI-II z-score = − 0.27 ± 0.82 vs 0.32 ± 1.11 in VP and AA, respectively; STAI-Y2 z-score = − 0.28 ± 0.85 vs 0.34 ± 1.08 in VP and AA, respectively). A significant main effect of gender was observed for STAI-Y1 (p = 0.025) and STAI-Y2 (p = 0.014). In detail, females had higher state and trait anxiety levels than males. PAL did not significantly adjust values of participants (AA and VP) in BDI-II, STAI-Y1, and STAI-Y2.

Conclusion

Results suggest that the practice of supervised volleyball sport, rather than unsupervised recreational activity, might positively influence an individual’s depression and anxiety levels. Moreover, physical exercise specialists should consider a different psychological approach when working with females than males.

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Title: Individuals’ depression and anxiety might be influenced by the level of physical activity and expertise: a pilot study on elite volleyball players and amateur athletes
Authors: Maria Grazia Vaccaro
Maurizio Bertollo
Laura Guidetti
Aldo Quattrone
Gian Pietro Emerenziani
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keywords: Affective Disorder
Affective Disorder
Anxiety
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-021-00767-2

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Springer Medicine

Individuals’ depression and anxiety might be influenced by the level of physical activity and expertise: a pilot study on elite volleyball players and amateur athletes

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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