ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3831-5660
Current Organisation
Victoria Unversity
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2015.10.023
Abstract: Post-stroke depression affects approximately one third of stroke survivors. In non-stroke affected populations, depressive symptomatology is associated with hypoalbuminemia. This is also common among stroke survivors and associated with poor outcome and increased mortality. The role of stroke-associated hypoalbuminemia in post-stroke depression is not clear. We aimed to explore the relationship between serum albumin and post-stroke depression, as measured 20 months post-stroke. Observational cohort study of elderly Swedish patients drawn from the 'Gothenburg 70+ Stroke Study' (n=149) and assessed at 20 months after stroke onset. Serum albumin was drawn from venous blood and analysed with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Depressive symptomatology was assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and functional impairment was assessed using the Barthel Index. Analysis of covariance analysis showed that serum albumin levels were associated with depressive symptoms at 20 months after stroke. Multivariate analysis of covariance showed that disability scores at 3 days were associated with depressive symptoms at 20 months after stroke and after accounting for the age covariate. Stroke survivors were not clinically deficient in serum albumin. Low serum albumin appears to be associated with depressive symptoms in elderly in iduals long term post-stroke.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYNEUEN.2017.08.008
Abstract: Practices that include yoga asanas and mindfulness-based stress reduction for the management of stress are increasingly popular however, the neurobiological effects of these practices on stress reactivity are not well understood. Many studies investigating the effects of such practices fail to include an active control group. Given the frequency with which people are selecting such interventions as a form of self-management, it is important to determine their effectiveness. Thus, this review investigates the effects of practices that include yoga asanas, with and without mindfulness-based stress reduction, compared to an active control, on physiological markers of stress. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials published in English compared practices that included yoga asanas, with and without mindfulness-based stress reduction, to an active control, on stress-related physiological measures. The review focused on studies that measured physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol and peripheral cytokine expression. MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, PubMed, and Scopus were searched in May 2016 and updated in December 2016. Randomised controlled trials were included if they assessed at least one of the following outcomes: heart rate, blood pressure, heart rate variability, mean arterial pressure, C-reactive protein, interleukins or cortisol. Risk of bias assessments included sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of assessors, incomplete outcome data, selective outcome reporting and other sources of bias. Meta-analysis was undertaken using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software Version 3. Sensitivity analyses were performed using 'one-study-removed' analysis. Subgroup analysis was conducted for different yoga and control group types, including mindfulness-based stress reduction versus non-mindfulness-based stress reduction based interventions, different populations, length of intervention, and method of data analysis. A random-effects model was used in all analyses. Forty two studies were included in the meta-analysis. Interventions that included yoga asanas were associated with reduced evening cortisol, waking cortisol, ambulatory systolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, high frequency heart rate variability, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein, compared to active control. However, the reported interventions were heterogeneous. Practices that include yoga asanas appear to be associated with improved regulation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system in various populations.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJSEM-2019-000678
Abstract: This scoping review determines the breadth and outcomes of controlled trials testing the effect of physical activity/exercise interventions across mental health outcomes in young people with a mental disorder. The literature search was conducted using the open-access ‘Evidence Finder’, a comprehensive youth mental health-specific database that is systematically populated from MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Sixteen publications were identified after meeting the following eligibility criteria: (1) participants were young people (mean age 12–25.9 years) with a mental disorder diagnosed by a trained clinician or by reaching a predefined cut score on a symptom measure, (2) interventions were exercise, (3) designs were randomised or non-randomised controlled trials, (4) outcomes were mental health related. Eight studies included young people with depression, three included people with psychosis/schizophrenia, three included people with eating disorders and two included people with anxiety. The available evidence suggests that moderate-to-vigorous-intensity exercise may be beneficial, particularly for reducing depression. The available evidence for other intervention intensities, and for other mental disorders, is mixed. Overall, the evidence regarding the impact of exercise interventions on a range of mental health outcomes in clinical populations of young people with various mental disorders looks promising but requires further development. Findings from this scoping review can inform the development of future exercise interventions in the youth mental health field.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJSEM-2019-000677
Abstract: This scoping review examined the breadth and outcomes of controlled trials testing the effect of physical activity and exercise interventions across all mental health outcomes for mental health promotion and indicated prevention studies in young people. The literature search was conducted using ‘Evidence Finder’. Thirty publications were included. Available evidence suggested that interventions of varying intensity may lead to a reduction in depression symptoms and that moderate-to-vigorous-intensity and light-intensity interventions may reduce anxiety symptoms. Effects of physical activity/exercise interventions on additional mental health outcomes were also shown however, the number of studies was small, indicating a limited evidence base. Robust research regarding the effects of physical activity/exercise on mental health promotion and as an indicated prevention strategy in young people is lacking. The available evidence suggests that physical activity/exercise is a promising mental health promotion and early intervention strategy and warrants further investigation.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 02-10-2018
Abstract: here is an escalating crisis in health care, locally and internationally. The current health care model is unable to meet the increasing health care demands. he aim of this study was to reconceptualize the provision of health care to produce better outcomes at no greater cost, by placing in iduals in the position of authority to direct their own care, in a personalized, integrated health care system. n this study, we used the Australian health care system as a model. We reviewed the current landscape of digital health in Australia and discussed how electronic medical records (EMRs) can be further developed into a personalized, integrated health care system. ome components of an EMR and digital health system are already being used in Australia, but the systems are not linked. A personalized, integrated health care model that is responsive to consumer needs requires not just a passive repository of medical information it would require a team approach, including the government, health care funders, industries, consumers and advocacy groups, health care professionals, community groups, and universities. mplementation of a personalized, integrated health care system can result in reduced pressure on the current health care system, and it can result in the delivery of best-practice health care, regardless of location. Importantly, a personalized, integrated health care system could serve as an education platform, “upskilling” not only clinicians but also, more importantly, patients and carers by providing them with accurate information about their condition, treatment options, medications, and management strategies. By proposing personalized, integrated health care, we offer an intelligent model of health care that is ubiquitous, efficient, and continuously improving.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-09-2023
DOI: 10.1111/EIP.13467
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-05-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S11136-018-1855-Y
Abstract: The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form (MSAS-SF) is a widely used symptom assessment instrument. Patients who self-complete the MSAS-SF have difficulty following the two-part response format, resulting in incorrectly completed responses. We describe modifications to the response format to improve useability, and rational scoring rules for incorrectly completed items. The modified MSAS-SF was completed by 311 women in our Peer and Nurse support Trial to Assist women in Gynaecological Oncology the PeNTAGOn study. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise completion of the modified MSAS-SF, and provide symptom statistics before and after applying the rational scoring rules. Spearman's correlations with the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed. Correct completion of the modified MSAS-SF items ranged from 91.5 to 98.7%. The rational scoring rules increased the percentage of useable responses on average 4% across all symptoms. MSAS-SF item statistics were similar with and without the scoring rules. The pattern of correlations with FACT-G and HADS was compatible with prior research. The modified MSAS-SF was useable for self-completion and responses demonstrated validity. The rational scoring rules can minimise loss of data from incorrectly completed responses. Further investigation is recommended.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 25-02-2022
DOI: 10.2196/35776
Abstract: The unprecedented changes and isolation measures to contain COVID-19 have had multiple psychological and social impacts, with implications for professional and personal functioning. Evidence-informed interventions that can be rapidly implemented under pandemic conditions to support mental health during such times are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a daily online mental health promotion program for tertiary education staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Victoria University (VU) Elevenses” program was delivered as an uncontrolled intervention at Victoria University (VU) in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne, Australia. In April 2020, an email invitation was sent to all academic and professional staff inviting them to: (1) participate in the program and (2) opt-in to the research component. The “VU Elevenses” program provided 10-15–minute microinterventions comprising lifestyle and well-being strategies to promote mental health via an online meeting platform at 11 AM each weekday. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the program, combining structured questionnaires with semistructured interviews to investigate the experiences of staff who participated in the program. Between 16 and 90 participants provided weekly program feedback. A total of 106 university staff opted into the longitudinal research component and 10 staff participated in the interviews. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with sessions and perceived benefits for mental health. Approximately one quarter of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress at baseline, with significant reductions in these symptoms in the first 7 weeks of the program, corresponding with easing in mandatory isolation (“lockdown”) restrictions. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress all increased when lockdown measures were reintroduced, but not to the same levels as found during the initial lockdown period. Overall changes in depression and anxiety from baseline to the end of the program were explained by changes in COVID-19–related distress, whereas changes in self-compassion explained changes in stress. We show that it is feasible and acceptable to develop and deliver a program of brief interventions in a timely manner, using a simple and accessible online platform. Although participation in the program was initially associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, participants’ mental health worsened with the reintroduction of a “lockdown” period. However, as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress did not return to levels observed at the start of the VU Elevenses program, participation in the uncontrolled intervention may have offered a protective benefit against the impact of the second significant lockdown period.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-12-2022
DOI: 10.1111/APHW.12329
Abstract: Mindfulness‐based initiatives have been shown to improve psychological wellbeing and increase academic engagement in school settings. The current study explored barriers and facilitators to the implementation of mindfulness‐based (MB) programmes in schools. Ninety‐five teachers completed an online survey, and six principals were interviewed, with questions for both informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Quantitative data was analysed via descriptive statistics and independent s le t tests. Qualitative interview data were analysed via thematic analysis. Teachers reported facilitators to successful MB programme implementation as self‐efficacy and motivation, knowledge about MB programmes, acceptance of responsibility to deliver MB programmes and belief of negative consequences if MB programmes are not delivered. Principals reported organisational‐level facilitators as having a school‐wide positive education framework relevant to the school context, taking a long‐term approach, school leaders supporting the initiatives and understanding the evidence behind MB programmes and empowering staff to engage in mindfulness. In idual‐level facilitators included staff buy‐in and commitment to practice and understanding mindfulness. Barriers included time, resources/money, staff buy‐in and competing strategic priorities within the school. These findings are important for consideration by policymakers determining the way forward for more widespread implementation of MB programmes in Australia.
Publisher: SNF Swedish Nutrition Foundation
Date: 2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-10-2019
DOI: 10.1111/EIP.12737
Abstract: The aim of this narrative summary was to examine the efficacy of physical activity and exercise as a universal prevention for depression in young people. We conducted a search of the literature in the open-access evidence database of controlled trials and systematic reviews in youth mental health, an initiative between Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health and headspace, National Youth Mental Health Foundation. In April 2018, we searched for all papers published between 1980 and 2017 relating to "Depressive Disorder" under the "Universal Prevention" illness stage and classified as "Physical activity/Exercise" under the treatment/intervention classification. Systematic reviews, randomized control trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials were all included. A total of 11 papers were returned. Three of these studies were observational and eight studies were controlled trials. The reviewed studies indicate that exercise and physical activity might be an effective universal depression prevention intervention for young people. Three of the controlled studies had a passive control group or no control group and only one study had longer-term follow-up. No trial used a longitudinal design to determine if interventions prevent the onset of new cases of depression. The studies reviewed in the current review demonstrate a bidirectional relationship between physical activity, exercise and adolescent mental health. The results of the current review suggest that physical activity and exercise programs designed to increase the level of activity in young people should be implemented to be attractive and achievable to young people that may have poor psychological health.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPSYCHIRES.2017.08.004
Abstract: Meditation is a popular form of stress management, argued to mediate stress reactivity. However, many studies in this field commonly fail to include an active control group. Given the frequency with which people are selecting meditation as a form of self-management, it is important to validate if the practice is effective in mediating stress-reactivity using well-controlled studies. Thus, we aimed to conduct a meta-analysis investigating the neurobiological effects of meditation, including focused attention, open monitoring and automatic self-transcending subtypes, compared to an active control, on markers of stress. In the current meta-analysis and systematic review, we included randomised controlled trials comparing meditation interventions compared to an active control on physiological markers of stress. Studied outcomes include cortisol, blood pressure, heart-rate, lipids and peripheral cytokine expression. Forty-five studies were included. All meditation subtypes reduced systolic blood pressure. Focused attention meditations also reduced cortisol and open monitoring meditations also reduced heart rate. When all meditation forms were analysed together, meditation reduced cortisol, C - reactive protein, blood pressure, heart rate, triglycerides and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Overall, meditation practice leads to decreased physiological markers of stress in a range of populations.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-07-2022
DOI: 10.1111/EIP.13189
Abstract: Due to the significant burden associated with mental disorders that have their onset in youth, there is a critical need to improve treatments and treatment outcomes. Given the evidence for physical activity (PA) as an effective intervention for reducing depression and anxiety symptoms in young people, we examined young people's attitudes towards and acceptability of PA as part of mental health treatment, predictors of current engagement in PA and predictors of attitudes towards PA as a treatment option. Participants in this cross‐sectional study were 88 young people (15–25 years) who were engaged in treatment at youth mental health services in Melbourne, Australia. Young people's attitudes towards PA as a treatment option were generally positive. The acceptance of PA as a treatment option was predicted by fewer perceived barriers and more benefits to exercise, higher autonomous motivation and lower amotivation whereas, the only significant predictor of current engagement in PA was autonomous motivation. The integration of PA interventions within mental health treatment appears to be acceptable to young people however, acceptance of PA as a treatment option is influenced by perceived barriers and benefits of PA and autonomous motivation. A focus on increasing autonomous motivation by enhancing the perceived value of PA and choosing preference‐based, enjoyable activities may assist in addressing the complex range of factors that impact the ability of these young people to become more physically active. Addressing these factors may assist with implementing PA interventions within psychological treatments for mental disorders.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.PSYCHRES.2016.06.008
Abstract: Elderly stroke survivors are at risk of malnutrition and long-term cognitive impairment. Vitamin B-related metabolites, folate and methylmalonic acid, have been implicated in cognitive function. We conducted a study exploring the relationship between blood folate, methylmalonic acid and post-stroke cognitive impairment. This is a cross sectional study of elderly Swedish patients (n=149) 20 months post-stroke, assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination, serum blood levels of methylmalonic acid and red blood cell levels of folate. Linear modeling indicated that low levels of blood folate and elevated methylmalonic acid significantly contributed to cognitive impairment in stroke survivors. Half of the stroke survivors were shown to have folate deficiency at 20 months after stroke. Folate deficiency is common long term after stroke and both low folate and elevated methylmalonic acid appear to be associated with long term cognitive impairment, in elderly Swedish stroke survivors.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 13-06-2017
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-05-2017
Abstract: This study collates existing evidence regarding weight loss among overweight but otherwise healthy adults who use commercial weight-loss programs. Systematic search of 3 databases identified 11 randomized controlled trials and 14 observational studies of commercial meal-replacement, calorie-counting, or pre-packaged meal programs which met inclusion criteria. In meta-analysis using intention-to-treat data, 57 percent of in iduals who commenced a commercial weight program lost less than 5 percent of their initial body weight. One in two (49%) studies reported attrition ≥30 percent. A second meta-analysis found that 37 percent of program completers lost less than 5 percent of initial body weight. We conclude that commercial weight-loss programs frequently fail to produce modest but clinically meaningful weight loss with high rates of attrition suggesting that many consumers find dietary changes required by these programs unsustainable.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-05-2022
Publisher: OSA
Date: 2018
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-03-2020
Publisher: Center for Open Science
Date: 15-07-2022
Abstract: Physical exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, the most common mental health disorders globally. Despite the benefits of exercise in anxiety and depression, the symptoms of these disorders may directly contribute to a lack of engagement with exercise. However, mental health-related barriers and benefits to exercise engagement have not been addressed in quantitative research. We introduce the development and psychometric validation of the Mental health-related barriers and benefits to EXercise (MEX) scale. Two datasets were collected and split into three s les (s le 1 n = 492 s le 2 n = 302 s le 3 n = 303) for scale refinement and validation with exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. We identified a 30-item, two-factor model comprising 15 barrier and 15 benefit items. Overall model fit was excellent for an item-level scale across the three s les (CFI = 0.935 to 0.951 RMSEA = 0.037 to 0.039). Internal consistency was also excellent across the three s les ( = 0.900 to 0.951). The barriers subscale was positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, and negatively correlated with measures of physical activity and exercise engagement. The benefits subscale was negatively correlated with symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, and positively correlated with measures of physical activity and exercise engagement. The MEX is a novel, psychometrically robust scale, which is appropriate for research and for clinical use.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 05-12-2017
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-01-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1747-4949.2010.00565.X
Abstract: Ischaemic stroke often precedes the appearance of clinical depression. Poststroke depression in turn influences the prognostic outcome. In the interest of advancing our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the development of poststroke depression, this systematic review explores the immunological processes driving the development of inflammation-related cell death in mood-related brain regions. Particular attention has been paid to cytokine-driven intrinsic apoptosis factors, including intracellular calcium, glutamate excitotoxicity and free radicals that appear in the brain following ischaemic damage and whose presence significantly increases the likelihood of clinically defined depression.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAD.2022.05.089
Abstract: Little is known about the acute affective response to physical activity in people with depression, which may have implications for acute symptom management and may also be a mechanism that explains the antidepressant effects of physical activity. This study aimed to quantitatively synthesize existing research on the acute affective response to physical activity in people with depression. Five online databases were searched to July 2021 to identify studies that examined pre-post changes in affective states following a bout of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in people with depression. The affective response to physical activity was synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis with a robust variance estimator. A total of 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that people with depression experienced a favourable affective response following an acute bout of physical activity (SMD = 0.585, 95% confidence interval = [0.456, 0.714], 95% prediction interval = [-0.079, 1.249]). Moderator analysis indicated this effect was consistent across different types of affective states, exercise conditions, and participant characteristics. Additionally, results were robust to changes in the study protocol and publication bias. Only within-person pre-post changes in affective responses were examined. No comparisons were made with control conditions. Acute bouts of physical activity can significantly improve affective states in people with depression. Future research should examine the effect of physical activity on affective states in non-experimental settings and examine whether the affective response to physical activity is a predictor of the long-term antidepressant effects of physical activity interventions.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2014
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 04-06-2019
DOI: 10.2196/12382
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-12-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-12280-9
Abstract: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition, impacting cardio-metabolic and reproductive health, mental health and health-related quality of life. The physical health benefits of exercise for women with PCOS are well-established and exercise is increasingly being recognised as efficacious for improving psychological wellbeing. The aim of this review was to summarise the evidence regarding the effectiveness of exercise interventions on mental health outcomes in women with PCOS. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted in March of 2020. Trials that evaluated the effect of an exercise intervention on mental health or health-related quality of life outcomes in reproductive aged women with diagnosed PCOS were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the modified Downs and Black checklist. Primary outcomes included symptoms of depression and anxiety, and health-related quality of life. Fifteen articles from 11 trials were identified and deemed eligible for inclusion. Exercise demonstrated positive improvements in health-related quality of life in all of the included studies. Half of included studies also reported significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms. There was large variation in methodological quality of included studies and in the interventions utilised. The available evidence indicates that exercise is effective for improving health-related quality of life and PCOS symptom distress. Exercise also shows some efficacy for improving symptoms and/or prevalence of depression and anxiety in women with PCOS. However, due to large heterogeneity of included studies, conclusions could not be made regarding the impact of exercise intervention characteristics. High-quality trials with well reported exercise intervention characteristics and outcomes are required in order to determine effective exercise protocols for women with PCOS and facilitate translation into practice.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-12-2017
DOI: 10.1093/BRAIN/AWW314
Abstract: Ischaemic stroke induces endogenous repair processes that include proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells and extensive rewiring of the remaining neural connections, yet about 50% of stroke survivors live with severe long-term disability. There is an unmet need for drug therapies to improve recovery by promoting brain plasticity in the subacute to chronic phase after ischaemic stroke. We previously showed that complement-derived peptide C3a regulates neural progenitor cell migration and differentiation in vitro and that C3a receptor signalling stimulates neurogenesis in unchallenged adult mice. To determine the role of C3a-C3a receptor signalling in ischaemia-induced neural plasticity, we subjected C3a receptor-deficient mice, GFAP-C3a transgenic mice expressing biologically active C3a in the central nervous system, and their respective wild-type controls to photothrombotic stroke. We found that C3a overexpression increased, whereas C3a receptor deficiency decreased post-stroke expression of GAP43 (P < 0.01), a marker of axonal sprouting and plasticity, in the peri-infarct cortex. To verify the translational potential of these findings, we used a pharmacological approach. Daily intranasal treatment of wild-type mice with C3a beginning 7 days after stroke induction robustly increased synaptic density (P < 0.01) and expression of GAP43 in peri-infarct cortex (P < 0.05). Importantly, the C3a treatment led to faster and more complete recovery of forepaw motor function (P < 0.05). We conclude that C3a-C3a receptor signalling stimulates post-ischaemic neural plasticity and intranasal treatment with C3a receptor agonists is an attractive approach to improve functional recovery after ischaemic brain injury.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 26-04-2019
Abstract: Vitamin D (VitD) has shown to be beneficial in reversing muscle weakness and atrophy associated with VitD deficiency. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterized by worsening muscle weakness and muscle atrophy, with VitD deficiency commonly observed. This study aimed to investigate the effect of VitD supplementation on dystrophic skeletal muscle. Eight-week old female control (C57BL/10 n = 29) and dystrophic (C57BL/mdx n = 23) mice were randomly supplemented with one of three VitD enriched diets (1000, 8000 & 20,000 IU/kg chow). Following a four-week feeding period, the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles contractile and fatigue properties were tested ex vivo, followed by histological analysis. As expected, mdx muscles displayed higher mass yet lower specific forces and a rightward shift in their force frequency relationship consistent with dystrophic pathology. There was a trend for mdx muscle mass to be larger following the 20,000 IU/kg diet, but this did not result in improved force production. Fiber area in the EDL was larger in mdx compared to controls, and there were higher amounts of damage in both muscles, with VitD supplementation having no effect. Four weeks of VitD supplementation did not appear to have any impact upon dystrophic skeletal muscle pathology at this age.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-04-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2011
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLNU.2011.03.013
Abstract: As essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) influence both inflammatory and depressive disorders, nutrition related treatment methods deserve great research interest. However, currently biological mechanisms underlying the depression modulating effects of the PUFA Omega-3 (ω-3) and Omega-6 (ω-6) derived eicosanoids (central nervous system messengers) are not fully established. Depression related naturally occurring cell death (apoptosis) is thought to be mediated by excitotoxicity and free radicals that appear in the brain immediately following any inflammatory or ischemic damage, and increases the likelihood of clinically defined depression. This review explores the hypothesis that the interaction between ω-6 and ω-3 derived eicosanoids plays a central role in control over apoptosis linked with inflammation and inflammation-driven depression, via regulation of apoptosis inducing factors including excitotoxicity and free radicals.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-04-2018
Abstract: Remote N-heterocyclic carbenes (rNHCs), such as N-methyl-4-pyridylidene, are known to form coordination complexes with TMs. Herein, it is established that rNHCs can also coordinate to the N
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.JNS.2019.116476
Abstract: Older stroke survivors are at risk of long-term cognitive impairment, which is associated with a number of modifiable and non-modifiable factors. We aimed to assess the association between the modifiable risk factors, serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, serum triglycerides, body mass index (BMI) and smoking status on cognitive function, while controlling for the non-modifiable factors, acute functional impairment, diabetes status and age. A cross-sectional study from a metropolitan university hospital in Sweden involving older adults (n = 149). Assessments occurred at 20 months post-stroke, using the Mini Mental State Examination and serum blood levels of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and serum triglycerides. Hierarchical linear regression showed that only acute functional impairment significantly contributed to long-term cognitive impairment in stroke survivors. Only 12% of the s le showed healthy cholesterol levels while the remaining patients showed borderline or high cholesterol levels. In terms of BMI, only 2% of the s le were underweight, 38% were within healthy range and 26% were overweight/obese. Only eight women and four men were smokers, therefore our s le of smokers was likely too small to detect any differences between smokers and non-smokers in regard to cognitive outcomes. Serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, serum triglycerides, BMI or smoking status did not influence cognitive outcomes in older stroke surviving in iduals. These findings suggest that modification of these factors may not influence cognitive outcomes in stroke-surviving in iduals however should be interpreted as preliminary given limitations in the current study.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-04-2019
DOI: 10.1186/S13104-019-4264-6
Abstract: Integrating mobile phone-based health (m-health) interventions into healthcare systems is one solution to improve access to services for the growing number of patients with chronic illness. Practical challenges such as poor recruitment and inadequate resource allocation can h er the assessment of such interventions with clinical trial methodology. This paper highlights the challenges encountered during a pilot randomized controlled trial of an m-health medication adherence intervention and offers recommendations for future multi-site, non-drug clinical trials. Eighteen patients were recruited to the study eight were randomly allocated to the intervention arm. Intervention participants responded to their daily medication-reminder text messages, indicating that medication had been taken or not, and nurses were able to organize their calls around their workload. The trial closed prematurely primarily due to inadequate numbers of eligible patients however, other potentially resolvable feasibility issues were identified. These included lack of infrastructure at study sites, poor screening data acquisition and management processes, and inexperience in conducting supportive care trials at participating sites. M-health intervention trials are designed to inform implementation of best supportive care practice. Adequate skills and infrastructure are research prerequisites that require careful consideration and sufficient investment for the successful execution of multi-site supportive care trials. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register: ACTRN12612000635864
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPSYCHIRES.2015.07.013
Abstract: Stress related disorders such as depression and anxiety are leading sources of disability worldwide, and current treatment methods such as conventional antidepressant medications are not beneficial for all in iduals. There is evidence that yoga has mood-enhancing properties possibly related to its inhibitory effects on physiological stress and inflammation, which are frequently associated with affective disorders. However the biological mechanisms via which yoga exerts its therapeutic mood-modulating effects are largely unknown. This systematic review investigates the effects of yoga on sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis regulation measures. It focuses on studies collecting physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol, peripheral cytokine expression and/or structural and functional brain measures in regions involved in stress and mood regulation. Overall the 25 randomised control studies discussed provide preliminary evidence to suggest that yoga practice leads to better regulation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, as well as a decrease in depressive and anxious symptoms in a range of populations. Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings and facilitate implementation in clinical settings.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-03-2021
DOI: 10.1002/PON.5671
Abstract: Cancer and its treatment can lead to a variety of physical and emotional concerns impacting on those affected, including subclinical or clinical depression and anxiety, which in turn have a significant impact on wellbeing, quality of life and survival. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of yoga‐based interventions on self‐reported depression and anxiety symptoms in people with cancer in randomized controlled trials. Six databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Systematic review procedures were followed including a quality assessment. Meta‐analysis of suitable studies was conducted. 26 studies from our search criteria were eligible for inclusion for depressive and 16 for anxiety symptoms. Meta‐analyses revealed evidence for significant medium effects of yoga on depression symptoms ( N = 1,486, g = −0.419, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.558 to −0.281, p 0.001) and anxiety ( N = 977, g = −0.347, 95% CI = −0.473 to −0.221, p 0.001) compared to controls. Subgroup analyses for depressive symptoms revealed significant effects for all analyses performed (type of cancer, type of control, treatment status, duration of intervention or frequency of yoga sessions), with effect sizes being comparable between subgroups. Similar findings were found for anxiety symptoms except for treatment status, where the only significant effect was found when yoga was delivered during active treatment. This review provides evidence that in people with cancer, yoga‐based interventions are associated with amelioration of depression and anxiety symptoms and therefore a promising therapeutic modality for their management. However, the potential for risk of bias together with control group design challenges means the results should be interpreted with caution.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2019
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2018-027386
Abstract: Due to ageing populations worldwide, the burden of disability is increasing. It is therefore important to develop interventions that improve healthy ageing, reduce disability onset and enhance life quality. Physical activity can promote healthy ageing and help maintain independence, yet many older adults are inactive. Yoga is a form of physical activity that aims to improve health and may be particularly suitable for older adults. Research indicates positive effects of yoga on several health-related outcomes however, empirical studies examining the benefits of yoga on well-being among the elderly remain scarce. This study protocol reports the methodology for a 12-week yoga programme aimed to improve health and well-being among physically inactive older adults. Three group parallel, single-blind randomised controlled trial. Two comparison groups are included: aerobic exercise and a non-active wait-list control. In total, 180 participants aged 65–85 years will be recruited. Assessments will be performed at baseline and postintervention (12-week follow-up). The primary outcome is subjective well-being. Secondary outcomes include physical activity/sedentary behaviour, mobility/fall risk, cognition, depression, anxiety, mood, stress, pain, sleep quality, social support and cardiometabolic risk factors. Data will be analysed using intention-to-treat analyses, with mixed linear modelling. This study is approved by the Ethical Review Board in Stockholm (2017/1862-31/2). All participants must voluntarily agree to participate and are free to withdraw from the study at any point. Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant prior to inclusion. Results will be available through research articles and conferences. A summary of key results will be publicly available through newspaper articles. DRKS00015093, U1111-1217-4248
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-11-2022
DOI: 10.1111/EIP.13249
Abstract: Mental illness is common among young people. Exercise has benefits for mental health however, young people experience a range of barriers to engaging in physical activity, one of which is psychological distress. Mindfulness is a modifiable factor that can reduce distress and may, in turn, reduce perceived barriers to physical activity. The aim of this work was to explore associations between dispositional mindfulness, psychological distress and barriers to engaging in physical activity. We used cross‐sectional survey data from young adults aged 15–25 years who attended youth mental health services (headspace centres). Demographic, mindfulness, exercise barriers and wellbeing data were collected. Mediation analysis showed that greater dispositional mindfulness reduced perceived barriers to exercise via reductions in psychological distress among 88 help‐seeking young Australians. Interventions to increase dispositional mindfulness may be helpful in reducing psychological distress and lessening barriers to exercise engagement, therefore promoting mental health among young people experiencing mental health symptoms.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1177/20552076221117746
Abstract: We discuss the feasibility of a brief, online mental health promotion programme for tertiary students and establish recommendations for future programmes. The programme ‘Student Elevenses’ was delivered at a tertiary education institution. ‘Student Elevenses’ aimed to promote student wellbeing during the coronavirus disease 2019 crisis, comprised of 10–15-min daily online micro-interventions targeting six lifestyle areas for wellbeing, and was delivered via video conference. Upon programme completion, all students were invited to complete barriers to engagement survey, irrespective of whether they had attended or heard of the programme. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographics, as well as feasibility and acceptability outcomes including recruitment rates, attendance rates and reported barriers to attendance. Open-ended questions were coded for themes. Less than 1% of those who consented to participate actually attended the programme, with attendance ranging from 2 to 17 participants. Participants were predominantly female (68%), domestic students (81%) and had a mean age of 29.5 years. The barriers students reported included fixed time, online format, a belief programme would not be helpful, preference for existing supports and perceived impacts of coronavirus disease 2019. Students recommended embedding support within policies/teaching, offering a range of supports and involving students in design. Barriers to mental health promotion via telehealth should be considered to promote accessibility and acceptability for tertiary students. Future programmes should consider reaching students through mandatory activities (e.g. lectures, tutorials) and should include student consultation and co-design to support the development of programmes that meet student needs and preferences.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1111/AP.12305
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-09-2020
DOI: 10.1111/EIP.13045
Abstract: To describe the quality and completeness of the description and reporting of physical activity and exercise interventions delivered to young people to promote mental health or treat mental illness. We conducted a series of scoping reviews identifying 64 controlled trials of physical activity and exercise interventions delivered to young people. We extracted: intervention characteristics, personnel and delivery format, the intensity, duration, frequency and type of physical activity or exercise. There was limited reporting of intervention details across studies 52% did not provide information to confidently assess intervention intensity, 29% did not state who delivered the intervention, and 44% did not specify the intervention delivery format. We recommend that authors adhere to the CONSORT reporting requirements and its intervention reporting extensions, (a) the Template for Intervention Description and Replication, (b) Consensus for Exercise Reporting Template and (c) as part of this, detail the frequency, intensity, time and type of physical activity recommendations and prescriptions. Without this, future trials are unable to replicate and extend previous work to support or disconfirm existing knowledge, leading to research waste and diminishing translation and implementation potential.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 11-10-2022
DOI: 10.1136/BJSPORTS-2022-105540
Abstract: Elite and semielite athletes commonly experience mental health concerns and disorders. Compared with men athletes, women athletes are at greater risk of a range of psychological stressors that contribute to health concerns and mental health disorders, which can impact their career satisfaction and longevity. In order to address and improve the mental health of women athletes, it is necessary to simultaneously tackle the gender specific psychosocial stressors that contribute to mental health outcomes. This narrative review examines the gender-specific stressors that affect mental health and well-being in women athletes, some of which are modifiable. Psychosocial stressors identified include exposure to violence, be it psychological, physical or sexual in nature, which can result in a myriad of acute and long-lasting symptoms and inequities as reflected in pay disparities, under-representation in the media, fewer opportunities in leadership positions and implications associated with family planning and motherhood. Strategies to promote mental health in women athletes should be considered, and where possible, should proactively address gender-specific stressors likely to influence mental health in order to maximise positive outcomes in women athletes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JOCA.2022.07.007
Abstract: Time spent waiting for access to orthopaedic specialist health services has been suggested to result in increased pain in in iduals with osteoarthritis (OA). We assessed whether time spent on an orthopaedic waiting list resulted in a detrimental effect on pain levels in patients with knee or hip OA. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and EBSCOhost databases from inception until September 2021. Eligible articles included in iduals with OA on an orthopaedic waitlist and not receiving active treatment, and reported pain measures at two or more time points. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled effect of waiting time on pain levels. Meta-regression was used to determine predictors of effect size. Thirty-three articles were included (n = 2,490 participants, 67 ± 3 years and 62% female). The range of waiting time was 2 weeks to 2 years (20.8 ± 18.8 weeks). There was no significant change in pain over time (effect size = 0.082, 95% CI = -0.009, 0.172), nor was the length of time associated with longitudinal changes in pain over time (β = 0.004, 95% CI = -0.005, 0.012). Body mass index was a significant predictor of pain (β = -0.043, 95% CI = -0.079, 0.006), whereas age and sex were not. Pain remained stable for up to 1 year in patients with OA on an orthopaedic waitlist. Future research is required to understand whether pain increases in patients waiting longer than 1 year.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.PEC.2021.06.020
Abstract: Knowledge of factors associated with intervention non-adherence may provide insights into the clinical utility of non-pharmacologic interventions. This study compared complete and incomplete adherers to two separate components of a novel intervention package for women undergoing curative intent radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer on socio-demographic, clinical and pre-radiotherapy patient-reported outcomes data. Adherence to the tailored specialist nurse consultations was satisfactory (71% participated in all available sessions, 19% participated in all but one). Adherence to the telephone peer support sessions was less satisfactory (47% participated in all available sessions, 24% participated in all but one session). Complete adherers to the peer sessions reported significantly lower levels of psychological distress and significantly higher levels of physical, emotional and functional wellbeing before radiotherapy. No other statistically significant differences were observed between complete and incomplete adherers to the nurse- or peer-led sessions. Women's ability or motivation to engage with peer support may be influenced by their health and psychological status. Further, the extent of intervention non-adherence to the peer-led component may have compromised the assessment of its efficacy. Peer support may be less acceptable or appropriate for women with more complex care needs. Such women may prefer specialised care from trained professionals.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S72925
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 19-12-2021
Abstract: he unprecedented changes and isolation measures to contain COVID-19 have had multiple psychological and social impacts, with implications for professional and personal functioning. Evidence-informed interventions that can be rapidly implemented under pandemic conditions to support mental health during such times are urgently needed. he aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and preliminary outcomes of a daily online mental health promotion program for tertiary education staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. he “Victoria University (VU) Elevenses” program was delivered as an uncontrolled intervention at Victoria University (VU) in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne, Australia. In April 2020, an email invitation was sent to all academic and professional staff inviting them to: (1) participate in the program and (2) opt-in to the research component. The “VU Elevenses” program provided 10-15–minute microinterventions comprising lifestyle and well-being strategies to promote mental health via an online meeting platform at 11 AM each weekday. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the program, combining structured questionnaires with semistructured interviews to investigate the experiences of staff who participated in the program. etween 16 and 90 participants provided weekly program feedback. A total of 106 university staff opted into the longitudinal research component and 10 staff participated in the interviews. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with sessions and perceived benefits for mental health. Approximately one quarter of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress at baseline, with significant reductions in these symptoms in the first 7 weeks of the program, corresponding with easing in mandatory isolation (“lockdown”) restrictions. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress all increased when lockdown measures were reintroduced, but not to the same levels as found during the initial lockdown period. Overall changes in depression and anxiety from baseline to the end of the program were explained by changes in COVID-19–related distress, whereas changes in self-compassion explained changes in stress. e show that it is feasible and acceptable to develop and deliver a program of brief interventions in a timely manner, using a simple and accessible online platform. Although participation in the program was initially associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, participants’ mental health worsened with the reintroduction of a “lockdown” period. However, as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress did not return to levels observed at the start of the VU Elevenses program, participation in the uncontrolled intervention may have offered a protective benefit against the impact of the second significant lockdown period.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-09-2021
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 24-08-2022
Abstract: he demand for orthopaedic specialist consultation for patients with osteoarthritis (OA) in public hospitals is large and continues to grow. Lengthy wait times are increasingly affecting patients from low socioeconomic and culturally and linguistically erse (CALD) backgrounds who are more likely to rely on public health care. he aim of this study was to co-design a digital health intervention for patients with OA who are waiting for an orthopaedic specialist consultation at a public health service, which is located in local government areas (LGAs) of identified social and economic disadvantage. he stakeholders involved in the co-design process included the research team, end-users (patients), clinicians, academic experts, senior hospital staff and a research, design and development agency. The iterative co-design process comprised of several key phases, which included the collation and refinement of evidence-based information by the research team with assistance from academic experts. Structured interviews with 16 clinicians (sex: 10 female and six male) and 11 end-users (mean ± SD, age: 64.3 ± 7.2, sex: seven female and four male) of 1-hour duration were completed to understand the needs of the intervention. Weekly workshops were held with key stakeholders throughout the development. A different cohort of 15 end-users examined the feasibility of the study during a 2-week testing period (age: 61.5 ± 9.7, sex: 12 female and three male). The system usability scale (SUS) was utilized as the primary measure of the feasibility of the intervention. even content modules were developed which were refined over several iterative rounds. Key themes highlighted in the clinician and end-user interviews were the erse characteristics of patients, the hierarchical structure with which patients view health practitioners, the importance of delivering information in multiple formats (written, audio and visual) and access to patient-centered information as early as possible in the healthcare journey. All content was translated to Vietnamese, the most widely spoken language following English in the LGAs included in this study. Patients with hip and knee OA from erse CALD backgrounds tested its feasibility. A mean score of 82.7 ± 16 was recorded for the SUS placing it in the excellent category for usability. hrough the co-design process, we developed an evidence-based, holistic and patient-centered digital health intervention. The intervention has been specifically designed to be used by patients from erse backgrounds, including those with low health, digital and written literacy levels. The effectiveness of the intervention for improving the physical and mental health of patients will be determined by a high-quality randomized controlled trial.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.AMEPRE.2019.06.021
Abstract: Socioeconomically disadvantaged adults have lower engagement in leisure-time physical activity than those who are more affluent. Identification of correlates of physical activity can inform the design of effective interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to identify consistent correlates of unspecified physical activity and leisure-time physical activity among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults. PubMed and Scopus were searched up to May 2018, and titles/abstracts and full texts were screened against eligibility criteria. Methodologic quality was assessed, and correlates were synthesized from July to September 2018. Seventy-three studies were selected for synthesis 48 examined unspecified physical activity and 31 examined leisure-time physical activity (6 examined both). Self-rated health, functional capacity, and physical activity self-efficacy were consistently, positively associated with unspecified physical activity. Mental health status and perceived benefits and enjoyment of physical activity were consistently, positively associated with leisure-time physical activity. Most studies were cross-sectional and used validated self-report measures of physical activity few reported response rates >50%. Few factors were consistently associated with either unspecified physical activity or leisure-time physical activity. Based on available evidence, strategies to increase physical activity should consider the needs of, and focus on, those with poor self-rated health and functional capacity and should use strategies to improve physical activity self-efficacy. Strategies to increase leisure-time physical activity should focus on simultaneously addressing leisure-time physical activity and mental health concerns and improving perceptions of physical activity benefits and enjoyment. It is recommended that future studies focus on leisure-time physical activity, focus on men, use longitudinal design, examine variables related to behavioral attributes and skills, and carefully consider and plan recruitment strategies.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 30-06-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S38547
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2021
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTIM.2021.102690
Abstract: The world's elderly population is growing. Physical activity has positive effects on health and cognition, but is decreasing among the elderly. Interest in yoga-based exercises has increased in this population, especially as an intervention targeting balance, flexibility, strength, and well-being. Recent interest has arisen regarding yoga's potential benefits for cognition. To systematically review evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of yoga-based interventions on cognitive functioning in healthy adults aged ≥60. A secondary aim was to describe intervention characteristics and, where possible, the extent to which these influenced study outcomes. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed from inception to June 2020 using the following electronic databases: (1) PubMed (NLM) (2) Embase (Elsevier) (3) Cochrane Central (Wiley) (4) PsycINFO (EBSCOhost) and (5) Cinahl (EbscoHost). RCTs of yoga-based interventions assessing cognition in healthy adults ≥60 years. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. A total of 1466 records were initially identified six studies (5 unique trials) were included in the review. Four of the six articles reported significant positive effects of yoga-based interventions on cognition, including gross memory functioning and executive functions. Intervention characteristics and assessment methods varied between studies, with a high overall risk of bias in all studies. Yoga-based interventions are associated with improvements in cognition in healthy older adults. Adequately powered RCTs with robust study designs and long-term follow-ups are required. Future studies should explicitly report the intervention characteristics associated with changes in cognitive function.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 24-08-2022
DOI: 10.2196/41974
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-10-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S40798-021-00358-Y
Abstract: Exercise can improve mental health however many tertiary students do not reach recommended levels of weekly engagement. Short-term exercise may be more achievable for tertiary students to engage in to promote mental health, particularly during times of high stress. The current scoping review aimed to provide an overview of controlled trials testing the effect of short-term (single bout and up to 3 weeks) exercise across mental health domains, both at rest and in response to an experimentally manipulated laboratory stress task, in tertiary students. The search was conducted using ‘Evidence Finder,’ a database of published and systematic reviews and controlled trials of interventions in the youth mental health field. A total of 14 trials meet inclusion criteria, six measured mental health symptoms in response to an experimentally manipulated laboratory stress task and the remaining eight measured mental health symptoms. We found that short-term exercise interventions appeared to reduce anxiety like symptoms and anxiety sensitivity and buffered against a drop in mood following an experimentally manipulated laboratory stress task. There was limited available evidence testing the impacts of exercise on depression like symptoms and other mental health mental health domains, suggesting further work is required. Universities should consider implementing methods to increase student knowledge about the relationship between physical exercise and mental health and student access to exercise facilities.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.JADOHEALTH.2021.08.005
Abstract: This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of interventions targeting multiple modifiable health behaviors (i.e., physical activity/sedentary behaviors, nutrition/diet, sleep, substance use) on depression and anxiety in young people. A search of electronic databases from inception until May 2020 was conducted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that explicitly targeted at least two modifiable health behaviors, measured anxiety or depression at baseline and after intervention using a validated instrument, and included participants with an average age between 12 and 25 years were included. The effect of interventions was synthesized using random effects meta-analysis. A total of 14 RCTs reporting on depression and six RCTs reporting on anxiety were included in the quantitative synthesis. Results showed that although interventions targeting multiple modifiable health behaviors did not produce significant reductions in symptoms of depression (g¯ = -.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [-.34, .02], 95% prediction interval [PI] = [-.80, .48], very low certainty evidence) or anxiety (g¯ = -.55, 95% CI = [-1.36, .26], 95% PI = [-3.48, 2.83], very low certainty evidence) across all young people, there was a significant difference in the effect of interventions on depression based on intervention type (Q = 8.37, df = 2, p = .012). Specifically, interventions targeting multiple modifiable health behaviors delivered to groups of young people with an elevated risk of depression had a favorable effect (g¯ = -.28, 95% CI = [-.52, -.05], 95% PI = [-1.04, .47]) on symptoms of depression compared with controls. Although not universally effective, this meta-analysis establishes the potential efficacy of targeted interventions aiming to improve multiple modifiable health behaviors to address depression in young people at elevated risk of depression. More research is needed to understand the effect of such interventions on symptoms of anxiety in young people.
Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore
Date: 2022
No related grants have been discovered for Michaela Pascoe.