Postmenopausal women can reduce symptoms like anxiety and depression by simply exercising, according to a new study by researchers at the Temple University. Menopause brings with it unwanted complications like hot flashes, stress, anxiety and depression.
More and more women are now seeking out natural therapies to deal with hot flashes and other side effects of menopause. However a brisk walking regime can take care of depression, stress and anxiety, the new study revealed.
The study involved 380 women from Philadelphia, who were recruited in 1996 and 1997. They were followed for eight years, during which they reported intensity of physical activity as well as menopausal symptoms.
Among the participants, 58 percent of the women had finished high school education, while 38 percent were cigarette smokers. Around 49 percent of the women were African-American in origin. All women were premenopausal at the start of the study, but 20 percent had reached menopause by the end of it. Some 18 percent of the women were also close to menopause.
The high exercise group in the study walked at 4 miles per hour for 90 minutes five times in the week, while the middle group walked for 40 minutes five days a week. The low exercise group walked for 15 minutes five times a week.
The researchers found that high levels of physical activity meant less stressful life for the women. “With the aging population, physical activity represents one way for women to stay mentally healthy. Physical activity can help throughout the menopausal transition and afterwards,” said lead researcher Deborah Nelson.
“You don't have to run 20 miles a week to reap the benefits of exercise. If you stick to a moderate-paced walking schedule, it can keep your body mass index down and lower the risk of stress, anxiety and depression,” she added.
The details of the study appear in the January 2008 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
