The Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on Mood and Self-Esteem in Clinically Diagnosed Mental Health Patients

Naomi J. Ellis, Jason A. Randall, Grant Punnett

Centre of Sport, Health and Exercise Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Staffordshire University, Staffordshire, UK.

DOI: 10.4236/ojmp.2013.23013                

Abstract

Objectives: Research has highlighted the importance of regular exercise within the general population and mental health groups in regard to mood and self-esteem, as well as single bout exercise within the general population. However, research into single bout exercise in mental health population is lacking. This study investigated the impact of a single bout of exercise, on mood and self-esteem, in patients with a wider clinical mental health diagnosis. Design: A quantitative questionnaire was completed immediately pre and post a single, 45 minute bout of moderate intensity exercise, consisting of the Brunel Universal Mood States (BRUMS) questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSE). Methods: Participants attending a mental health hospital with a clinical mental health diagnosis (N = 54) completed the questionnaire. Information regarding physical activity levels, mental health diagnosis and length of hospital stay were collated. Results: A significant improvement was identified on the RSE as well as the BRUMS (depression, anger, confusion, anxious tension and vigour) over time. Conclusion: The significant findings highlight the importance of exercise promotion within this population group, and the potentially beneficial role that a single bout of exercise can have on mood and self-esteem in patients experiencing mental health problems.

Keywords

Clinical; Exercise; Health; Mental Health; Mood; Self-Esteem

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Department of Health, “No Health without Mental Health: A Cross-Government Mental Health Outcomes Strategy for People of All Ages,” HMSO, London, 2011.
[2]	Department of Health, “Making It Happen: A Guide to Delivering Mental Health Promotion,” HMSO, London, 2001.
[3]	The Office of national Statistics, Cenus, 2001. www.ons.gov.uk
[4]	Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, “Policy Paper 3: The Economic and Social Costs of Mental Illness,” The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, London, 2001.
[5]	S. J. H. Biddle and N. Mutrie, “Psychology of Physical Activity: Determinants, Well-Being and Interventions,” Routledge, Abingdon, 2008.
[6]	K. H. Cooper, J. S. Gallman and J. L. J. McDonald, “Role of Aerobic Exercise in Reduction of Stress,” Dental Clinics of North America, Vol. 30, No. 4, 1986, pp. 133-142.
[7]	P. J. O’Connor, J. S. Raglin and E. W. Martinsen, “Physical Activity, Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders,” International Journal of Sport Psychology, Vol. 31, No. 2, 2000, pp. 136-155.
[8]	L. L. Craft, “Exercise and Clinical Depression: Examining Two Psychological Mechanisms,” Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Vol. 6, No. 2, 2005, pp. 151-171. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2003.11.003
[9]	P. C. Dinas, Y. Koutedakis and A. D. Flouris, “Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Depression,” Irish Journal of Medical Science, Vol. 180, No. 2, 2011, pp. 319-325. doi:10.1007/s11845-010-0633-9
[10]	K. R. Fox, “The Influence of Physical Activity on Mental Well-Being,” Public Health Nutrition, Vol. 2, Suppl. 3, 1999, pp. 411-418. doi:10.1017/S1368980099000567
[11]	D. Scully, J. Kremer, M. Meade, R. Grahma and K. Dudgeon, “Physical Exercise and Psychological Well Being: A Critical Review,” British Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 32, No. 2, 1998, pp. 111-120. doi:10.1136/bjsm.32.2.111
[12]	P. Ekkekakis, E. E. Hall, L. M. Van Landuyt and S. J. Petruzello, “Walking in (Affective) Circles: Can Short Walks Enhance Affect?” Journal of Behavioural Medicine, Vol. 23, No. 3, 2000, pp. 245-275. doi:10.1023/A:1005558025163
[13]	T. C. North, P. McCullagh and Z. V. Tran, “Effect of Exercise on Depression,” Exercise and Sport Science Review, Vol. 18, 1990, pp. 379-412. doi:10.1249/00003677-199001000-00016
[14]	A. Szabo, “Acute Psychological Benefits of Exercise Performed at Self-Selected Workloads: Implications for Theory and Practice,” Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, Vol. 2, 2003, pp. 77-87.
[15]	R. R. Yeung, “The Acute Effects of Exercise on Mood State,” Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Vol. 40, No. 2, 1996, pp. 123-141. doi:10.1016/0022-3999(95)00554-4
[16]	P. M. Dubbert, J. D. White, K. B. Grothe, J. O. Jile and K. A. Kirchner, “Physical Activity in Patients Who Are Severely Mentally Ill: Feasibility of Assessment for Clinical and Research Applications,” Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, Vol. 20, No. 5, 2006, pp. 205-209. doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2006.04.002
[17]	K.A. Barbour, T. M. Edenfield and J. A. Blumrnthal, “Exercise as a Treatment for Depression and Other Psychiatric Disorders: A Review,” Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation & Prevention, Vol. 27, 2007, pp. 359-367.
[18]	D. Carless and K. Douglas, “The Role of Sport and Exercise in Recovery from Serious Mental Illness: Two Case Studies,” International Journal of Men’s Health, Vol. 7, No. 2, 2008, pp. 137-156. doi:10.3149/jmh.0702.137
[19]	D. S. Hutchinson, “Structured Exercise for Persons with Serious Psychiatric Disabilities,” Psychiatric Services, Vol. 56, No. 3, 2005, pp. 353-354. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.56.3.353
[20]	F. J. Penedo and J. R. Dahn, “Exercise and Well-Being: A Review of Mental and Physical Health Benefits Associated with Physical Activity,” Current Opinion in Psychiatry, Vol. 18, No. 2, 2005, pp. 189-193. doi:10.1097/00001504-200503000-00013
[21]	B. M. Wipfli, C. D. Rethorst and D. M. Landers, “The Anxiolytic Effects of Exercise: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials and Dose-Response Analysis,” Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, Vol. 30, No. 4, 2008, pp. 392-410.
[22]	C. D. Rethorst, B. M. Wipfli and D. M. Landers, “The Anti-Depressive Effects of Exercise: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials,” Sports Medicine, Vol. 39, No. 6, 2009, pp. 491-511. doi:10.2165/00007256-200939060-00004
[23]	N., Ellis, D. Crone, R. Davey and S. Grogan, “Exercise Interventions as an Adjunct Therapy for Psychosis: A Critical Review,” British Journal of Clinical Psychology, Vol. 46, No. 1, 2007, pp. 95-111. doi:10.1348/014466506X122995
[24]	J. B. Bartholomew, D. Morrison and J. T. Ciccolo, “Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood and Well-Being in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder,” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Vol. 37, No. 12, 2005, pp. 2032-2037. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000178101.78322.dd
[25]	A. A. Weinstein, P. A. Deuster, P. L. Francis, C. Beadling and W. J. Kop, “The Role of Depression in Short-Term Mood and Fatigue Responses to Acute Exercise,” International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Vol. 17, No. 1, 2010, pp. 51-57. doi:10.1007/s12529-009-9046-4
[26]	R. R. Yeung and D. R. Hemsley, “Effects of Personality and Acute Exercise on Mood States,” Personality and Individual’s Difference, Vol. 20, No. 5, 1996, pp. 545-550. doi:10.1016/0191-8869(95)00222-7
[27]	D. Clark-Carter, “Quantitative Psychological Research Third Edition,” Psychology Press, New York, 2010.
[28]	K. Milton, F. C. Bull and A. Bauman, “Reliability and Validity Testing of a Single-Item Physical Activity Measure,” British Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 6, 2010, pp. 348-352.
[29]	N. Ellis, C. Gidlow and R. Davey, “Exploring Mental Health Benefits of Physical Activity Using a Social Marketing Approach in Community Settings,” Care Service Improvement Partnership Document, 2009.
[30]	T. Andrade, C. Arce, J. Torrado, J. Garrido, C. De Fancisco and I. Arce, “Factor Structure and Invariance of The Poms Mood State Questionnaire in Spanish,” Spanish Journal of Psychology, Vol. 13, No. 1, 2010, pp. 444-452. doi:10.1017/S1138741600003991
[31]	D. M. McNaire, M. Lorr and L. F. Droppleman, “Manual for the Profile of Mood States,” Education and Industrial Testing Service, San Diego, 1971.
[32]	P. C. Terry, A. M. Lane and G. J. Fogarty, “Construct Validity of the Profile of Mood States—Adolescents for the Use with Adults,” Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2003, pp. 125-139. doi:10.1016/S1469-0292(01)00035-8
[33]	P. C. Terry, A. M. Lane, H. J. Lane and L. Keohane, “Development and Validation of a Mood Measure for Adolescents,” Journal of Sport Sciences, Vol. 17, No. 22, 1999, pp. 861-872. doi:10.1080/026404199365425
[34]	M. Rosenberg, “Society and the Adolescent Self-Image,” Princeton University Press, Princeton, 1965.
[35]	W. C. Torrey, K. T. Mueser, G. H. McHugo and R. E. Drake, “Self-Esteem as an Outcome Measure in Studies of Vocational Rehabilitation for Adults with Severe Mental Illness,” Psychiatric Services, Vol. 51, No. 2, 2000, pp. 229-233. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.51.2.229