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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

Associations of physical performance and physical activity with mental well-being in middle-aged women

Authors: Dmitriy Bondarev, Sarianna Sipilä, Taija Finni, Urho M. Kujala, Pauliina Aukee, Vuokko Kovanen, Eija K. Laakkonen, Katja Kokko

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

To investigate whether physical performance is independently of physical activity (PA) associated with positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being in middle-aged women.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) study in which women 47 to 55 years were randomly selected from the Finnish National Registry. They (n = 909) participated in measurements of physical performance (handgrip force, knee extension force, vertical jumping height, maximal walking speed, and six-minute walking distance). Both mental well-being (the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form and the Satisfaction with Life Scale) and PA were self-reported. Associations between variables were analysed using multivariate linear regression modelling adjusted for body height, fat mass %, menopausal status and symptoms, marital status, parity, employment status, self-reported mental disorders, and use of psycholeptics and psychoanaleptics. PA was then entered into a separate model to explore its role in the associations.

Results

In the adjusted models, significant positive associations of six-minute walking distance with positive affectivity (B = 0.12, p = 0.002) and life satisfaction (B = 0.15, p = 0.033) were observed. No significant associations were observed between physical performance and depressive symptoms or negative affectivity. PA was positively associated with positive affectivity and life satisfaction and negatively with depressive symptoms across all the physical performance variables.

Conclusions

Of the physical performance dimensions, aerobic component was associated with positive mental well-being independently of PA level. In relation to other physical performance components, the results point to the benefits of physical activity for mental well-being.

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Title: Associations of physical performance and physical activity with mental well-being in middle-aged women
Authors: Dmitriy Bondarev
Sarianna Sipilä
Taija Finni
Urho M. Kujala
Pauliina Aukee
Vuokko Kovanen
Eija K. Laakkonen
Katja Kokko
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11485-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Associations of physical performance and physical activity with mental well-being in middle-aged women

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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