Abstract

ALMEIDA, Edivana; MOURAO, Isabel  and  COELHO, Eduarda. Mental health in elderly: the effect of different types of physical activity programs. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2018, vol.19, n.2, pp.390-404. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/18psd190218.

The search for strategies that prevent or attenuate the prejudicial alterations of the cerebral aging is fundamental for the promotion of the mental health in the elderly. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different physical activity programs on cognitive function, depression and life satisfaction in the elderly. Participants were 465 elderly Brazilians of both sexes, practitioners and non-practitioners of different physical activity programs (69.93 ± 6.63 years), divided into four groups: (i) double practice, (ii) dances, (iii) gymnastics and (iv) not practicing physical activity. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to verify possible declines in cognitive function. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to verify the intensity of depression and to verify the levels of life satisfaction, the Life Satisfaction Scale (ESV). The tests was used in 3 evaluation moments (initial evaluation, intermediate evaluation and final evaluation) at 35 weeks. The results of MANCOVA of repeated measurements indicated significant differences in cognitive function, depression and life satisfaction in the 3 assessment moments only when the 3 groups practicing physical activity were compared with the group of non-practitioners. Therefore, the results indicated a significant effect of the practice of physical activity on the dependent variables; however, there was no specific effect from different physical activity programs. We concluded that the promotion of the regular practice of physical activity, regardless of the type of program, is fundamental in the promotion of mental health of the elderly.

Keywords : elderly; cognitive function; depression; satisfaction with life; physical activity programs.

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