title: The effects of a multi-modal intervention trial of light, exercise, and vitamins on women's mood.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a tri-modal intervention (LEVITY) to improve women's mood. This eight-week randomized experiment with a placebo-control group targeted women with symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Women in the intervention group were instructed to take a brisk 20-minute outdoor walk at target heart rate of 60% of maximum heart rate, to increase light exposure throughout the day and to take a specific vitamin regimen. Women in the control group took a daily placebo vitamin. The sample consisted of 112 women ages 19-78 who reported mild to moderate depressive symptoms. They were in otherwise good health and were not currently taking any mood-altering medication. Pre- and post-intervention assessment utilized live measures of mood: Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale, Profile of Mood States, Depression-Happiness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the General Well-Being Schedule. Analysis of covariance indicated that the intervention was effective in improving women's overall mood, self-esteem, and general sense of well-being and in decreasing symptoms on two measures of depression. Of particular note, the data from all five outcome measures supported the efficacy of the intervention. In addition, a high level of adherence to the intervention protocol was observed with two-thirds of the women reporting 100% adherence. Study implications suggest that this type of intervention may provide an effective, clinically manageable therapy for mild-to-moderately depressed women who prefer a self-directed approach or who have difficulties with the cost or side-effects of medication or psychotherapy.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goldstein-Shirley
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Casey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology*; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D016574:Seasonal Affective Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013472:Sunlight; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014861:Washington
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins