Weak Upper Body Strength Can Lead to Depression in Women: Study

A study found that weaker upper and lower body can lead to depression and anxiety in women in their midlife.

A recent study suggests that weak upper and lower body strength can cause depression and anxiety in midlife women.

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A recent study suggests that weak upper and lower body strength can cause depression and anxiety in midlife women.

This study evaluates objective measures of physical performance in relation to depression and anxiety in premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women.

Menopause In Women

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases. It is the absence of menstrual period for 12 months. The average age of menopause is 51 years old, but menopause may occur as early as the 30s or as late as the 60s. Symptoms of menopause can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, hot flashes, vaginal and urinary symptoms, and mood changes.

The Study

The findings of this study were published in the Journal of the North American Menopause Society. This study found that 15 per cent of participants , out of the 1,100 women aged between 45 and 69, suffered from depression or anxiety. Depression can cause disability, reduced quality of life , mortality and heart disease. Scientists thus identified them as risk factors that could reduce morbidity and mortality.

This study observed the association of objective physical performance measures with depression and anxiety.

Scientists found that weak upper body strength,like handgrip strength and weak lower body strength, like longer duration to complete the repeated chair stand test , were associated with the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

According to the researchers, further studies need to be conducted to find out whether strengthening exercises that improve physical performance might similarly help reduce depression and anxiety in midlife women.