Researchers from the Granada Biosanitary Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA) and the University of Granada, in collaboration with the Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga, have uncovered a connection between muscle strength and mental health in older adults.
This study, part of the ÁGUEDA project, explored how physical fitness might impact the psychological well-being of people as they age.
The research involved 90 cognitively healthy older adults, 57% of whom were women. The study offers a fresh perspective on the role of physical fitness, especially muscle strength, in maintaining mental health.
Dr. Irene Esteban-Cornejo, from ibs.GRANADA, and Darío Bellón, the main author, led the study. They both work in the Department of Physical and Sports Education at the University of Granada, where they focus on how exercise impacts both the body and mind.
The researchers published their findings in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology. They measured muscle strength through handgrip tests, squats, and exercises for elbow and knee extensions.
They also used a questionnaire called the International Physical Fitness Scale (IFIS), which asks participants to rate their own physical fitness.
Mental health was evaluated through a range of tests that looked at factors like anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. These assessments provided a clear picture of each participant’s psychological health.
One of the researchers, Dr. María Rodríguez-Ayllón from the IBIMA BIONAND Platform in Malaga, also contributed to the study.
She highlighted an important discovery: there is a strong link between grip strength and self-esteem, as well as between perceived physical strength and symptoms of depression.
This means that people who are physically stronger tend to feel better about themselves and are less likely to experience depression.
Rodríguez-Ayllón pointed out that the results emphasize how crucial muscle strength is, not just for physical health but also for mental well-being as people grow older. She believes that maintaining muscle strength should be a key focus for anyone aiming to stay healthy in both mind and body.
Bellón, who conducted the study as part of his doctoral research in the University of Granada’s Biomedicine Program, added that identifying muscle strength as something that can be changed is an exciting development.
It opens up new possibilities for preventing mental health problems in older adults. By encouraging regular physical exercise, especially programs designed for older people, it may be possible to improve both their physical and mental health.
The ÁGUEDA project, under which this research falls, has created a 6-month exercise program specifically focused on increasing muscle strength.
The aim is to see whether improving muscle strength through exercise can also lead to improvements in mental and cognitive health. Early results suggest positive outcomes, and the researchers expect to release more detailed findings soon.
In summary, this study shines a light on the important role that physical fitness, particularly muscle strength, plays in supporting mental health in older adults. By staying physically strong, older adults may also boost their self-esteem, reduce feelings of depression, and improve their overall quality of life.
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The research findings can be found in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology.
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