Is the Walking Campaign Effective for Depressive Symptoms?

Setsuko Taneichi, Fumiharu Togo, Tsukasa Sasaki

Laboratory of Health Education, Graduate School of Education, Tokyo, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/ojpsych.2014.44047                

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of walking 10,000 steps per day on depressive symptoms for the company employees and their spouses in Japan. Method: Subjects were recruited from the participants of a walking campaign carried out by a Japanese company where the goal was to achieve 600,000 steps in 60 days. Among 221 subjects who participated in the campaign, 176 subjects (79.6%) agreed to participate in the present study. Sociodemographics and other information including depressive symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire. Result: Out of the 171 participants, 125 achieved the goal (73.1%). In the achiever’s group, the GHQ-12 score was significantly reduced at the end of the campaign compared with the non-achiever’s group. Exercise habit and the less overtime work (<45 hours past 1 month) at the baseline were significantly associated with the achievement of the goal. Conclusion: The achievement of 600,000 steps in 60 days is correlated with the improvement of depressive symptoms and the achievement of this goal might be related with the exercise habit and less overtime work before the campaign.

Keywords

Depressive Symptoms, 10, 000 Steps, Physical Activity, Walking, Walking Campaign

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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