An effective exercise-based intervention for improving mental health and quality of life measures: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives. This study investigates the effectiveness of 24-week aerobic and weight-training exercise plus behavior modification for mental health and quality of life (QOL) outcomes. Methods. Mental health and QOL data was collected using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales and SF-36 Health Status Survey, respectively. Employees from a single work-site were randomized into either treatment or wait-list control groups. Results: Mental Health (P = 0.005), Vitality (P < 0.001), General Health (P = 0.009), Bodily Pain (P = 0.005), Physical Functioning (P = 0.004), Depression (P = 0.048), and Stress (P = 0.036) scales significantly improved for the treatment group compared to wait-list controls after 24 weeks. Conclusions. Multimodal exercise is as effective as other single-modality exercise treatments for depressive symptoms and, in contrast to other studies, does improve stress symptoms and QOL outcomes.