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Int J Sports Med 1989; 10(1): 58-61
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1024876
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Physical Fitness Level in Patients with Anxiety and Depressive Disorders

E. W. Martinsen, J. Strand, G. Paulsson, J. Kaggestad
  • Modum Bads Nevesanatorium, Vikersund, Norway
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Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Physical work capacity (PWC) and pulmonary function were measured shortly after admission in 90 inpatients with anxiety and depressive disorders. PWC was dramatically reduced while pulmonary function was slightly increased compared with predicted normal values. This indicates that the low fitness levels were caused by physical inactivity, and it is a strong argument for integrating physical fitness training into psychiatric treatment programs. Values obtained by direct measurement and indirect calculations of PWC were highly correlated (R = 0.67). The mean differences between the two tests were 21% on an individual level and 5% on a group level.

Key words

psychiatric patients - anxiety - depression - lung function - oxygen uptake