Key result
Resistance training lowers anxiety and improves CV risk in older women with prior depression.
Why the study?
To evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training on cardiovascular disease risk factors in older women with and without a history of depression.
Does 12 weeks of resistance training improve cardiovascular risk factors and psychological symptoms in older women with and without a history of depression?
Does 12 weeks of resistance training improve cardiovascular risk factors and psychological symptoms in older women with and without a history of depression?
A 12-week resistance training program effectively improves lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and psychological symptoms in older women, regardless of a history of depression.
Background We aimed to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in older women with and without history of depression. Methods We included 79 older women, 52 without depression and 27 with a history of depression. 79 participants formed the waitlist control group and were instructed to maintain their habitual routine. The participants were reevaluated and attended 12 weeks of RT. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density cholesterol (LDL-c), and triglycerides (TG) were used as cardiovascular risk factors. The Linear Mixed Model (LMM) was used to compare between groups. Results The average age of the sample was 69.3 ± 5.7 and the body mass index was 28.5 ± 4.5. The 12 weeks of RT resulted in a reduction in BAI (−3.9 [-7.1; −0.6], P < 0.05) and PHQ-9 scores (−1.4 [-3.2; −0.5] P < 0.05) in the Training group with depressive disorders. In the training group with depressive disorders, it was observed an improvement in TG (−17.1 [-43.0; −8.8]), TC (−18.6 [-35.9; −1.3]), LDL-c (−10.3 [-26.8; −6.2]), and CRP (−0.4 [-1.3; −0.5]). Similar results were found for TG, TC, and LDL-c in the Training group without depressive symptoms. No difference between RT groups was observed. Conclusion Our results suggest that RT is effective in improving CVD risk factors, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in older women with history of depression.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Cunha et al. (2025) studied Depression (n=79). Resistance training vs. Waitlist control was evaluated on Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score (MD -3.9, 95% CI -7.1 to -0.6, p=< 0.05). Twelve weeks of resistance training significantly reduced anxiety scores (MD -3.9; 95% CI -7.1 to -0.6) and improved cardiovascular risk factors in older women with a history of depression.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: