Skip to main content
Erschienen in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 3/2015

01.03.2015 | Original Paper

Gender-specific associations between leisure-time physical activity and symptoms of anxiety: the HUNT study

verfasst von: Audun Brunes, Sigridur Lara Gudmundsdottir, Liv Berit Augestad

Erschienen in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Ausgabe 3/2015

Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten

Abstract

Purpose

The underlying goal of the study was to examine gender-specific effects of leisure-time physical activity on the development of symptoms of anxiety.

Methods

The second wave of a prospective cohort survey (HUNT 2) was conducted during 1995–1997 in the county of Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, with a follow-up in 2006–2008 (HUNT 3). The sample consisted of 12,796 women and 11,195 men with an age range of 19–85 years. A binomial model with a log-link function and generalized linear model analysis with gamma distribution was used to assess the association between physical activity and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety subscale, HADS-A).

Results

A total of 1,211 (9.5 %) women and 650 (5.8 %) men developed HADS-defined anxiety (≥8 on the HADS-A scale). Men who scored in the middle tertile of the calculated physical activity index developed significantly fewer cases of HADS-defined anxiety compared with men in the lowest tertile (p < 0.05). In the gamma regression analysis for women, having higher scores on the moderate-high physical activity was associated with fewer symptoms of anxiety (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Women developed almost twice as many cases of HADS-defined anxiety compared to men. Significant associations were found between general leisure-time physical activity and anxiety symptoms among women and men, but the true effect is likely to be different from the observed associations due to several threats to the internal validity in the study.
Literatur
1.
Zurück zum Zitat Alonso J, Angermeyer MC, Bernert S et al (2004) Prevalence of mental disorders in Europe: results from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project. Acta Psychiatr Scand 109(240):21–27 Alonso J, Angermeyer MC, Bernert S et al (2004) Prevalence of mental disorders in Europe: results from the European Study of the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders (ESEMeD) project. Acta Psychiatr Scand 109(240):21–27
2.
Zurück zum Zitat Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Merkingas KR, Walters EE (2005) Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-Month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry 62(6):617–627PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Merkingas KR, Walters EE (2005) Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-Month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry 62(6):617–627PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
4.
Zurück zum Zitat Biddle SJH, Mutrie N (2008) Psychology of physical activity: determinants, well-being and interventions, 2nd edn. Routledge, New York Biddle SJH, Mutrie N (2008) Psychology of physical activity: determinants, well-being and interventions, 2nd edn. Routledge, New York
5.
Zurück zum Zitat Gustavsson A, Svensson M, Jacobi F et al (2011) Cost of disorders of the brain in Europe 2010. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 21(10):718–779PubMedCrossRef Gustavsson A, Svensson M, Jacobi F et al (2011) Cost of disorders of the brain in Europe 2010. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 21(10):718–779PubMedCrossRef
6.
Zurück zum Zitat Andlin-Sobocki P, Wittchen HU (2005) Cost of anxiety disorders in Europe. Eur J Neurol 12:39–44PubMedCrossRef Andlin-Sobocki P, Wittchen HU (2005) Cost of anxiety disorders in Europe. Eur J Neurol 12:39–44PubMedCrossRef
7.
Zurück zum Zitat Jacobi F, Wittchen HU, Hôllting C (2004) Prevalence, co-morbidity and correlates of mental disorders in the general population: results from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (GHS). Psychol Med 34(4):597–611PubMedCrossRef Jacobi F, Wittchen HU, Hôllting C (2004) Prevalence, co-morbidity and correlates of mental disorders in the general population: results from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey (GHS). Psychol Med 34(4):597–611PubMedCrossRef
8.
Zurück zum Zitat Bienvenu OJ, Gould NF, Mason ST, Fauerbach JA (2009) Anxiety disorders prevention: overview and focus on post-traumatic stress disorder. Minerva Psichiatr 50(3):265–275 Bienvenu OJ, Gould NF, Mason ST, Fauerbach JA (2009) Anxiety disorders prevention: overview and focus on post-traumatic stress disorder. Minerva Psichiatr 50(3):265–275
9.
Zurück zum Zitat McLean CP, Asnaani A, Litz BT, Hofmann SG (2011) Gender differences in anxiety disorders: prevalence, course of illness, comorbidity and burden of illness. J Psychiatr Res 45(8):1027–1035PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef McLean CP, Asnaani A, Litz BT, Hofmann SG (2011) Gender differences in anxiety disorders: prevalence, course of illness, comorbidity and burden of illness. J Psychiatr Res 45(8):1027–1035PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
10.
Zurück zum Zitat Bekker MH, van Mens-Verhulst J (2007) Anxiety disorders: sex differences in prevalence, degree, and background, but gender-neutral treatment. Gend Med 4:178–193CrossRef Bekker MH, van Mens-Verhulst J (2007) Anxiety disorders: sex differences in prevalence, degree, and background, but gender-neutral treatment. Gend Med 4:178–193CrossRef
11.
Zurück zum Zitat Martinsen EW (2008) Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression. Nord J Psychiatry 62(47):25–29PubMedCrossRef Martinsen EW (2008) Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression. Nord J Psychiatry 62(47):25–29PubMedCrossRef
12.
Zurück zum Zitat McDonald DG, Hodgdon JA (1991) The psychological effects of aerobic fitness training research and theory. Springer, New YorkCrossRef McDonald DG, Hodgdon JA (1991) The psychological effects of aerobic fitness training research and theory. Springer, New YorkCrossRef
13.
Zurück zum Zitat Petruzzello SJ, Landers DM, Hatfield BD, Kubitz KA, Salazar W (1991) A meta-analysis on the anxiety-reducing effects of acute and chronic exercise: outcomes and mechanisms. J Sports Med 11(3):143–182CrossRef Petruzzello SJ, Landers DM, Hatfield BD, Kubitz KA, Salazar W (1991) A meta-analysis on the anxiety-reducing effects of acute and chronic exercise: outcomes and mechanisms. J Sports Med 11(3):143–182CrossRef
14.
Zurück zum Zitat Byrne A, Byrne D (1993) The effect of exercise on depression, anxiety and other mood states: a review. J Psychosom Res 37(6):565–574PubMedCrossRef Byrne A, Byrne D (1993) The effect of exercise on depression, anxiety and other mood states: a review. J Psychosom Res 37(6):565–574PubMedCrossRef
15.
Zurück zum Zitat Long BC, Vanstavel R (1995) Effects of exercise training on anxiety: a meta-analysis. J Appl Sport Psychol 7(2):167–189CrossRef Long BC, Vanstavel R (1995) Effects of exercise training on anxiety: a meta-analysis. J Appl Sport Psychol 7(2):167–189CrossRef
16.
Zurück zum Zitat Wipfli BM, Rethorst CD, Landers DM (2008) The anxiolytic effects of exercise: a meta-analysis of randomized trials and dose-response analysis. J Sport Exerc Psychol 30:392–410PubMed Wipfli BM, Rethorst CD, Landers DM (2008) The anxiolytic effects of exercise: a meta-analysis of randomized trials and dose-response analysis. J Sport Exerc Psychol 30:392–410PubMed
17.
Zurück zum Zitat Asmundson GJG, Fetzner MG, DeBoer LB, Powers MB, Otto MW, Smits JAJ (2013) Let’s get physical: a contemporary review of the anxiolytic effects of exercise for anxiety and its disorders. Depress Anxiety 30(4):362–373PubMedCrossRef Asmundson GJG, Fetzner MG, DeBoer LB, Powers MB, Otto MW, Smits JAJ (2013) Let’s get physical: a contemporary review of the anxiolytic effects of exercise for anxiety and its disorders. Depress Anxiety 30(4):362–373PubMedCrossRef
18.
Zurück zum Zitat Jayakody K, Gunadasa S, Hosker C (2014) Exercise for anxiety disorders: systematic review. Br J Sports Med 48:187–196PubMedCrossRef Jayakody K, Gunadasa S, Hosker C (2014) Exercise for anxiety disorders: systematic review. Br J Sports Med 48:187–196PubMedCrossRef
19.
Zurück zum Zitat Stephens T (1988) Physical activity and mental health in the United States and Canada: evidence from four population surveys. J Prev Med 17(1):35–47CrossRef Stephens T (1988) Physical activity and mental health in the United States and Canada: evidence from four population surveys. J Prev Med 17(1):35–47CrossRef
20.
Zurück zum Zitat Goodwin RD (2003) Association between physical activity and mental disorders among adults in the United States. Prev Med 36(6):698–703PubMedCrossRef Goodwin RD (2003) Association between physical activity and mental disorders among adults in the United States. Prev Med 36(6):698–703PubMedCrossRef
21.
Zurück zum Zitat Thorsen L, Nystad W, Stigum H, Dahl O, Klepp O, Bremnes RM, Wist E, Fosså SD (2005) The association between self-reported physical activity and prevalence of depression and anxiety disorder in long-term survivors of testicular cancer and men in a general population sample. Support Care Cancer 13(8):637–646PubMedCrossRef Thorsen L, Nystad W, Stigum H, Dahl O, Klepp O, Bremnes RM, Wist E, Fosså SD (2005) The association between self-reported physical activity and prevalence of depression and anxiety disorder in long-term survivors of testicular cancer and men in a general population sample. Support Care Cancer 13(8):637–646PubMedCrossRef
22.
Zurück zum Zitat Brunes A, Augestad LB, Gudmundsdottir SL (2013) Personality, physical activity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression: the HUNT study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 48:745–756PubMedCrossRef Brunes A, Augestad LB, Gudmundsdottir SL (2013) Personality, physical activity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression: the HUNT study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 48:745–756PubMedCrossRef
23.
Zurück zum Zitat de Moor MHM, Beem AL, Stubbe JH, Boomsma DI, de Geus EJC (2006) Regular exercise, anxiety, depression and personality: a population-based study. Prev Med 42(4):273–279PubMedCrossRef de Moor MHM, Beem AL, Stubbe JH, Boomsma DI, de Geus EJC (2006) Regular exercise, anxiety, depression and personality: a population-based study. Prev Med 42(4):273–279PubMedCrossRef
24.
Zurück zum Zitat Mutrie N, Hannah MK (2007) The importance of both setting and intensity of physical activity in relation to non-clinical anxiety and depression. Int J Health Promot Educ 45(1):24–32CrossRef Mutrie N, Hannah MK (2007) The importance of both setting and intensity of physical activity in relation to non-clinical anxiety and depression. Int J Health Promot Educ 45(1):24–32CrossRef
25.
Zurück zum Zitat Harvey SB, Hotopf M, Overland S, Mykletun A (2010) Physical activity and common mental disorders. Br J Psychiatry 197(5):357–364PubMedCrossRef Harvey SB, Hotopf M, Overland S, Mykletun A (2010) Physical activity and common mental disorders. Br J Psychiatry 197(5):357–364PubMedCrossRef
26.
Zurück zum Zitat Jonsdottir IH, Rödjer L, Hadzibajramovic E, Börjesson M, Ahlborg GA Jr (2010) Prospective study of leisure-time physical activity and mental health in Swedish health care workers and social insurance officers. Prev Med 51(5):373–377PubMedCrossRef Jonsdottir IH, Rödjer L, Hadzibajramovic E, Börjesson M, Ahlborg GA Jr (2010) Prospective study of leisure-time physical activity and mental health in Swedish health care workers and social insurance officers. Prev Med 51(5):373–377PubMedCrossRef
27.
Zurück zum Zitat Azevedo Da Silva M, Singh-Manoux A, Brunner E, Kaffashian S, Shipley M, Kivimäki M, Nabi H (2012) Bidirectional association between physical activity and symptoms of anxiety and depression: the Whitehall II study. Eur J Epidemiol 27(7):537–546PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Azevedo Da Silva M, Singh-Manoux A, Brunner E, Kaffashian S, Shipley M, Kivimäki M, Nabi H (2012) Bidirectional association between physical activity and symptoms of anxiety and depression: the Whitehall II study. Eur J Epidemiol 27(7):537–546PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
28.
Zurück zum Zitat ten Have M, de Graaf R, Monshouwer K (2011) Physical exercise in adults and mental health status: findings from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS). J Psychosom Res 71(5):342–348PubMedCrossRef ten Have M, de Graaf R, Monshouwer K (2011) Physical exercise in adults and mental health status: findings from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS). J Psychosom Res 71(5):342–348PubMedCrossRef
29.
Zurück zum Zitat de Moor MHM, Beem AL, Stubbe JH, Boomsma DI, de Geus EJC (2008) Testing causality in the association between regular exercise and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry 65(8):897–905PubMedCrossRef de Moor MHM, Beem AL, Stubbe JH, Boomsma DI, de Geus EJC (2008) Testing causality in the association between regular exercise and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry 65(8):897–905PubMedCrossRef
30.
Zurück zum Zitat Holmen J, Midthjell K, Krüger Ø (2003) The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 1995-97 (HUNT2): objectives, contents, methods and participation. Norsk Epidemiologi 13:19–32 Holmen J, Midthjell K, Krüger Ø (2003) The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 1995-97 (HUNT2): objectives, contents, methods and participation. Norsk Epidemiologi 13:19–32
31.
Zurück zum Zitat Kurtze N, Rangul V, Hustvedt B, Flanders DW (2007) Reliability and validity of self-reported physical activity in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2). Eur J Epidemiol 22(6):379–387PubMedCrossRef Kurtze N, Rangul V, Hustvedt B, Flanders DW (2007) Reliability and validity of self-reported physical activity in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT 2). Eur J Epidemiol 22(6):379–387PubMedCrossRef
32.
Zurück zum Zitat Augestad LB, Schei B, Forsmo S, Langhammer A, Flanders WD (2004) The association between physical activity and forearm bone mineral density in healthy premenopausal women. J Women’s Health 13:301–313CrossRef Augestad LB, Schei B, Forsmo S, Langhammer A, Flanders WD (2004) The association between physical activity and forearm bone mineral density in healthy premenopausal women. J Women’s Health 13:301–313CrossRef
33.
Zurück zum Zitat Gudmundsdottir SL, Flanders WD, Augestad LB (2011) Physical activity and age at menopause: the Nord-Trøndelag population-based health study. Climacteric 16(1):78–87CrossRef Gudmundsdottir SL, Flanders WD, Augestad LB (2011) Physical activity and age at menopause: the Nord-Trøndelag population-based health study. Climacteric 16(1):78–87CrossRef
34.
Zurück zum Zitat Zigmond AS, Snaith RP (1983) The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand 67(6):361–370PubMedCrossRef Zigmond AS, Snaith RP (1983) The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Acta Psychiatr Scand 67(6):361–370PubMedCrossRef
35.
Zurück zum Zitat Herrmann C (1997) International experiences with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: a review of validation data and clinical results. J Psychosom Res 42(1):17–41PubMedCrossRef Herrmann C (1997) International experiences with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: a review of validation data and clinical results. J Psychosom Res 42(1):17–41PubMedCrossRef
36.
Zurück zum Zitat Bjelland I, Dahl AA, Haug TT, Neckelmann D (2002) The validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: an updated literature review. J Psychosom Res 52:69–77PubMedCrossRef Bjelland I, Dahl AA, Haug TT, Neckelmann D (2002) The validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: an updated literature review. J Psychosom Res 52:69–77PubMedCrossRef
37.
Zurück zum Zitat Whitelaw S, Teuton J, Swift J, Scobie G (2010) The physical activity—mental wellbeing association in young people: a case study in dealing with a complex public health topic using a ‘realistic evaluation’ framework. Mental Health Phys Activity 3(2):61–66CrossRef Whitelaw S, Teuton J, Swift J, Scobie G (2010) The physical activity—mental wellbeing association in young people: a case study in dealing with a complex public health topic using a ‘realistic evaluation’ framework. Mental Health Phys Activity 3(2):61–66CrossRef
38.
Zurück zum Zitat Salmon P (2001) Effects of physical exercise on anxiety, depression, and sensitivity to stress: a unifying theory. Clin Psychol Rev 21(1):33–61PubMedCrossRef Salmon P (2001) Effects of physical exercise on anxiety, depression, and sensitivity to stress: a unifying theory. Clin Psychol Rev 21(1):33–61PubMedCrossRef
39.
Zurück zum Zitat Lox CL, Kathleen AM, Petruzzello SJ (2010) The psychology of exercise: integrating theory and practice, 3rd edn. Holcomb Hathaway Publishers, Scottsdale Lox CL, Kathleen AM, Petruzzello SJ (2010) The psychology of exercise: integrating theory and practice, 3rd edn. Holcomb Hathaway Publishers, Scottsdale
40.
Zurück zum Zitat Petruzzello SJ, Landers DM, Hatfield BD, Kubitz KA, Salazar W (1991) A meta-analysis on the anxiety-reducing effects of acute and chronic exercise. Sports Med 11(3):143–182PubMedCrossRef Petruzzello SJ, Landers DM, Hatfield BD, Kubitz KA, Salazar W (1991) A meta-analysis on the anxiety-reducing effects of acute and chronic exercise. Sports Med 11(3):143–182PubMedCrossRef
41.
Zurück zum Zitat Martinsen EW, Moser T, Borge L, Moe T, Johannesen B, Kaggestad J (2004) Kropp og sinn: fysisk aktivitet og psykisk helse (Body and mind: physical activity and psychological health). Fagbokforlaget, Bergen Martinsen EW, Moser T, Borge L, Moe T, Johannesen B, Kaggestad J (2004) Kropp og sinn: fysisk aktivitet og psykisk helse (Body and mind: physical activity and psychological health). Fagbokforlaget, Bergen
42.
Zurück zum Zitat Bandura A (1977) Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychol Rev 84(2):191–215PubMedCrossRef Bandura A (1977) Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychol Rev 84(2):191–215PubMedCrossRef
43.
Zurück zum Zitat Dishman RK, Renner KJ, Youngstedt SD, Reigle TG, Bunnell BN, Burke KA, Yoo HS, Mougey EH, Meyerhoff JL (1997) Activity wheel running reduces escape latency and alters brain monoamine levels after footshock. Brain Res Bull 42:399–406PubMedCrossRef Dishman RK, Renner KJ, Youngstedt SD, Reigle TG, Bunnell BN, Burke KA, Yoo HS, Mougey EH, Meyerhoff JL (1997) Activity wheel running reduces escape latency and alters brain monoamine levels after footshock. Brain Res Bull 42:399–406PubMedCrossRef
44.
Zurück zum Zitat Moylan S, Eyre HA, Maes M, Baune BT, Jacka FN, Berk M (2013) Exercising the worry away: how inflammation, oxidative and nitrogen stress mediates the beneficial effect of physical activity on anxiety disorder symptoms and behaviours. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 37(4):573–584PubMedCrossRef Moylan S, Eyre HA, Maes M, Baune BT, Jacka FN, Berk M (2013) Exercising the worry away: how inflammation, oxidative and nitrogen stress mediates the beneficial effect of physical activity on anxiety disorder symptoms and behaviours. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 37(4):573–584PubMedCrossRef
45.
Zurück zum Zitat Wittchen HU, Jacobi F (2005) Size and burden of mental disorders in Europe—a critical review and appraisal of 27 studies. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 15(4):357–376PubMedCrossRef Wittchen HU, Jacobi F (2005) Size and burden of mental disorders in Europe—a critical review and appraisal of 27 studies. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 15(4):357–376PubMedCrossRef
46.
Zurück zum Zitat McLean CP, Anderson ER (2009) Brave men and timid women? A review of the gender differences in fear and anxiety. Clin Psychol Rev 29(6):496–505PubMedCrossRef McLean CP, Anderson ER (2009) Brave men and timid women? A review of the gender differences in fear and anxiety. Clin Psychol Rev 29(6):496–505PubMedCrossRef
47.
Zurück zum Zitat Feingold A (1994) Gender differences in personality: a meta-analysis. Psychol Bull 116(3):429–456PubMedCrossRef Feingold A (1994) Gender differences in personality: a meta-analysis. Psychol Bull 116(3):429–456PubMedCrossRef
48.
Zurück zum Zitat Altemus M (2006) Sex differences in depression and anxiety disorders: potential biological determinants. Horm Behav 50(4):534–538PubMedCrossRef Altemus M (2006) Sex differences in depression and anxiety disorders: potential biological determinants. Horm Behav 50(4):534–538PubMedCrossRef
49.
Zurück zum Zitat Asztalos M, Wijndaele K, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Philippaerts R, Matton L, Duvigneaud N, Thomis M, Lefevre J, Cardon G (2012) Sport participation and stress among women and men. Psychol Sport Exerc 13(4):466–483CrossRef Asztalos M, Wijndaele K, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Philippaerts R, Matton L, Duvigneaud N, Thomis M, Lefevre J, Cardon G (2012) Sport participation and stress among women and men. Psychol Sport Exerc 13(4):466–483CrossRef
50.
Zurück zum Zitat Tudor K (2013) Mental health promotion: paradigms and practice. Routledge, New York Tudor K (2013) Mental health promotion: paradigms and practice. Routledge, New York
51.
Zurück zum Zitat Vanhees L, Lefevre J, Philippaerts R (2005) How to assess physical fitness? Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 12:102–114PubMedCrossRef Vanhees L, Lefevre J, Philippaerts R (2005) How to assess physical fitness? Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 12:102–114PubMedCrossRef
52.
Zurück zum Zitat Rothman KJ, Greenland S, Lash TL (eds) (2008) Modern epidemiology, 3rd edn. Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia Rothman KJ, Greenland S, Lash TL (eds) (2008) Modern epidemiology, 3rd edn. Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia
Metadaten
Titel
Gender-specific associations between leisure-time physical activity and symptoms of anxiety: the HUNT study
verfasst von
Audun Brunes
Sigridur Lara Gudmundsdottir
Liv Berit Augestad
Publikationsdatum
01.03.2015
Verlag
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Ausgabe 3/2015
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Elektronische ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-014-0915-z

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 3/2015

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 3/2015 Zur Ausgabe

Update Psychiatrie

Bestellen Sie unseren Fach-Newsletter und bleiben Sie gut informiert.