Exercise training and health-related quality of life in generalized anxiety disorder

Objective: To quantify the effects of six-weeks of resistance (RET) and aerobic exercise training (AET) on quality of life (QoL) among sedentary women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Design: Data from our published randomized controlled trial of the effects of six-weeks of either RET or AET among GAD patients were analyzed. Method: Thirty women with GAD were randomized to either six weeks of twice-weekly lower-body weightlifting or cycling, or wait-list control (WL). SF-36 subscales assessed dimensions of QoL. Hedges' d effect sizes (95%Cls) quantified the magnitude of change in response to exercise training compared to WL. Results: RET significantly improved role-physical (d = 1.04; 95%CI: [0.11-1.97]), role-emotional (d = 0.96; [0.04-1.89]), and mental health (d = 1.05; [0.11-1.98]). AET resulted in significant improvements in physical function (d = 1.31; [0.34-2.27]) and vitality (d = 0.93; [0.01-1.85]). Conclusions: Exercise training improves dimensions of QoL among GAD patients. The largest effects were observed for role impairments, physical function, vitality, and mental health. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.