Physical exercise decreases anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women?

The aging is an important human phase that physiological, psychological and social changes are evidence. In view of these changes, some reactions like stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression can be increase in this population. In the search to decrease such reactions, some activities, such as, yoga, mental activities, pharmacological treatment and the practice of systematic physical activity are proposed. However, specifically in physical exercises, the optimal volume and intensity for such practice is still a topic under discussion. The aim of this study was verified the effect of 16 weeks of systematic physical exercises in stress, anxiety and depression in hypertense and diabetic postmenopausal women. Twenty-two elderlies realized 16 weeks of systematic physical exercise (3 times/wk; 60min). Anthropometric parameters, using a measuring tape, and questionnaires for analysis mood disorders (depression, anxiety and stress) were measure pre and pos exercise program. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to verify mean or median differences (p≤0.05). Results showed a significant decrease in stress, anxiety and depression in elderlies. Moreover, despite an increase in left forearm not contracted, it was observed a decrease in neck, shoulder waist and abdominal circumferences means/medians. after 120 days of systematic physical exercise. Our finding suggests that, independent of body composition results, a systematic physical exercise practice could be an important way of treatment of psychology disorders in elderly.