Comparison of strategies to improve the state of depression among community-dwelling elderly : physical fitness v.s. cognitive behavior therapy

• Main Authors: Qiu Bi Liu, 劉秋碧
• Other Authors: T. T. Huang
• Format: Others
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/75067849166427188612

碩士 === 長庚大學 === 護理學系 === 100 === Depressive inclination is a major problem among community-dwelling elderly adults. The prevalence of depressive symptoms ranges from 10.4％ to 39.3％. It will decrease an elderly adult’s quality of life, and increase the risk of suicidal ideation and mortality rate. This indicates the importance of developing effective strategies to reduce depressive symptoms among elderly adults. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three interventions ( control, physical fitness, and cognitive behavior therapy) on primary outcomes ( depressive symptoms), and secondary outcomes ( physical fitness, quality of life, cognitive function, and social support) of community-dwelling elderly adults. Data was collected from May 2011 to April 2012. A true experimental design study was conducted in a suburban area of Northern Taiwan. In the experiment, group 1 ( n= 19) received 12 weeks of physical fitness, group 2 ( n= 18) received 12 weeks of cognitive behavior therapy, and the control group ( n= 20) received no extra care. Participants were assessed for depressive symptoms, physical fitness, quality of life, cognitive function, and social support. Data was collected immediately after intervention, 3 months and 6 months after intervention. The results of this study was: 1. Base on Pearson correlation coefficient, there was a significant negative relationship among the quality of life, cognitive function, and social support. ( r= -.324, p＜.05；r= -.302, p＜.05；r= -.356, p＜.01). 2. The baseline data of depressive symptoms among these three groups were higher than other post-tests ( Time effect, F= 49.92, p= .000). However, physical fitness and cognitive behavior therapy differed significantly in depressive symptoms compare to the control group ( p= .012). 3. Group 1 improved their physical fitness state; six out of eight muscles increased muscle strength immediately, and continued 3 months later ( p＜.05). The effect of muscle endurance and flexibility of the lower and upper limb could be maintained until 6 months after intervention. 4. The baseline data of quality of life ( total scores of quality of life, physical component summaries, and mental component summaries ) among these three groups, results were lower than other post-tests ( Time effect, F = 9.288, p = .000；F = 7.206, p = .001；F = 6.151, p = .001, respectively). In addition, their quality of life’s degree of improvement, group 1 was better than the control group ( p＜05). 5. The baseline data of cognitive function among these three groups were lower than other post-tests ( Time effect, F= 8.334, p= .000). 6. Among these three groups, the social support measured right after intervention was higher than when measured at 3 months and 6 months after intervention. Both the physical fitness group and the cognitive behavior therapy group had significant improvements in social support 6 months after intervention. According to the results of this study, both the physical fitness group and the cognitive behavior therapy group were significant in reducing the depressive symptoms among elderly adults. In addition, physical fitness intervention can improve the physical fitness, quality of life, and social support, as well. In conclusion, the best way to reduce depressive symptoms among community-dewelling elderly adults is participate in physical fitness activities.