Does Online

"Working Out Work"

as a Treatment and
Prevention for Depression
in Older Adults?
Dr. Robelyn A. Garcia
Arizona State University
2011
Online Kinesiofitness
Introduction

I bet your wondering,

"How can I take a Fitness Class
Online?”
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The
The author
author would
would like
like to
to thank
thank the
the following
following people
people forfor their
their invaluable
invaluable support,
support,
guidance,
guidance, and
and assistance
assistance during
during the
the process
process of
of this
this investigation.
investigation.

1.
1. Dr.
Dr. Brenda
Brenda Shackleford
Shackleford
2.
2. Dr.
Dr. Jen
Jen King
King
3.
3. Paula
Paula Lippert
Lippert
4.
4. Kathleen
Kathleen Waldron
Waldron
5.
5. The
The Senior
Senior University
University Staff
Staff
6.
6. The
The volunteers
volunteers who
who participated
participated in
in the
the study.
study.

SPECIAL
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

II would
would like
like to
to give
give aa special
special acknowledgment
acknowledgment to to my
my dear
dear Mother,
Mother, the
the late
late Evelyn
Evelyn
June
June Garcia.
Garcia. AsAs aa Senior
Senior Adult,
Adult, “Mother”
“Mother” inspired
inspired my
my studies
studies in
in Gerontology.
Gerontology.

Thank You
ALD 593 APPLIED PROJECT

Presentation by
Robelyn A. Garcia, M.S., G.C., Ph.D.

Capstone for Aging and Lifespan

Development in the College of
Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Arizona State University
 An Analysis of a Prescribed
and Monitored Exercise
Program Administered via
the Internet for Senior Adults
with Depression.
POSTER Presented by
Robelyn Garcia, M.S., G.C., Ph.D.
 ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to
investigate, access, and analyze the
effectiveness of an online prescribed and
monitored exercise program for the treatment
of depression in Older Adults.
The Dependent Variable for the study is
Depression.
The Independent Variable for the study is the
Effects of Exercise administered via the Internet.

The Population is SENIOR adults.

COOPERATING ORGANIZATION

SENIOR UNIVERSITY: The study was

conducted and data was collected at
Senior University online website. This
organization serves older adults in the
Scottsdale, North Phoenix, and
Paradise Valley areas.

www.SeniorUniversityEdu.us
 SENIOR UNIVERSITY
SENIOR UNIVERSITY
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Dr. Brenda Shackleford

Director

Senior Adult Senior University Senior University

Instructors Sponsors Staff

Volunteer Senior University Community Service

Staff Interns Workers
RESEARCH QUESTION
Does Online
"Working Out Work"
as a Treatment and
Prevention for
Depression in Older
Adults?
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
 By the year 2030, an estimated 70 million
people will be older than 65.

 Exercise has been shown as ONE of the most

effective treatments for depression in elderly
people, (Singh 2001).

Health professionals from all disciplines concur

on the myriad of mental health benefits that a
regular exercise program can provide, (Dias 2003).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
 According to the Surgeon General, "Lack of
exercise is the #1 health concern facing this
country," (2011).

77.3 % of United States population use the

internet, (Internet World Stats, 2010).

“We have the technology to improve the overall

fitness and health of the nation,” says Paul
Williams, scientist in Berkeley Lab, U.S.
Government, (2010).
 DEPRESSION

 Depression is defined by Princeton

University Scholars as a mental state
characterized by a pessimistic sense of
inadequacy and a despondent lack of
activity.
 DEPRESSION
 The presence and severity of
depression will be assessed by using
THE MERCK MANUAL OF
GERIATRICS (GDS) Geriatric
Depression Scale. Assessments will be
performed at baseline before and after
the treatment exercise is concluded.
 METHODS
THE MERCK MANUAL OF GERIATRICS

Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) QUESTIONNAIRE

Circle the best answer for how you have felt over the past week:
1. Are you basically satisfied with your life? YES / NO

2. Have you dropped many of your activities and interests? YES / NO

3. Do you feel that your life is empty? YES / NO

4. Do you often get bored? YES / NO

5. Are you in good spirits most of the time? YES / NO

6. Are you afraid that something bad is going to happen to you? YES / NO

7. Do you feel happy most of the time? YES / NO

 METHODS
THE MERCK MANUAL OF GERIATRICS (GDS)
8. Do you often feel helpless? YES / NO

9. Do you prefer to stay at home, rather than going out and doing new
things? YES / NO

10. Do you feel you have more problems with memory than most? YES / NO

11. Do you think it is wonderful to be alive now? YES / NO

12. Do you feel pretty worthless the way you are now? YES / NO

13. Do you feel full of energy? YES / NO

14. Do you feel that your situation is hopeless? YES / NO

15. Do you think that most people are better off than you are? YES / NO
 METHODS
GERIATRIC DEPRESSION SCALE SCORING
Score: 1 point for "No" to questions 1, 5, 7, 11, and 13. 1 point for "Yes" to other questions.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Normal: ≤ 3
 Mildly depressed: 7-4
 Moderately depressed: 8 - 11
 Very depressed: ≥ 12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Adapted
(Adapted from
from Sheikh
Sheikh JI,
JI, Yesavage
Yesavage JA:
JA: "Geriatric
"Geriatric depression
depression (GDS)."
(GDS)." Edited
Edited by
by TL
TL Brink,
Brink, A
A Guide
Guide to
to
Assessment and Intervention, Clinical Gerontology, pp. 165 -173. Haworth Press Inc., Binghampton,
Assessment and Intervention, Clinical Gerontology, pp. 165 -173. Haworth Press Inc., Binghampton,
N.Y.,
N.Y., 1986.)
1986.)
 METHODS
GERIATRIC DEPRESSION SCALE SCORING
----------------------------------------------------------------------
INCLUSION CRITERIA
 Mildly depressed: 7-4
 Moderately depressed: 8 - 11

EXCLUSION CRITERIA
 Normal (Not Depressed): ≤ 3

----------------------------------------------------------------------
 METHODS
Research Design
 Quantitative Research Design.

 Pre-Test / Post-Test Design..

 One Treatment / Intervention

Group Design..
 METHODS
Measurement of Variables
 Dependent Variable - The Dependent Variable
for the study is Depression. Dependent
Variable of Depression will be measured using
THE MERCK MANUAL OF GERIATRICS
(GDS) Geriatric Depression Scale
Questionnaire.
 Independent Variable - The Independent
Variable for the study is the Effects of Exercise.
This is measured by comparing the GDS
scores before and after the subject’s
participation in the treatment exercise.
 METHODS
The
The population
population is
is older
older adults.
adults.

 Participants were volunteers aged 50 to 80 years

old who met the criteria for mild or moderate
depression and scored at least 4 on the GDS at
study entry.

 Participants had no medical contraindications to

exercise as demonstrated by completion of the
(PAR-Q) Physical Activity Readiness
Questionnaire.
 DATA COLLECTION
Baseline:
Baseline: Before Exercise
Prior to participating in the treatment exercise
program the subjects completed:

1. The (PAR-Q) Physical Activity

Readiness Questionnaire.

2. A Basic Minimal Risk Consent form.

3. A Personal Information form.

 DATA COLLECTION
Intervention Treatment Exercise Program
“Working Out” will include the following:
On completion of the baseline assessments,
participants completed the following exercise program,
with a frequency of 3 times per week for 8 weeks:

1.
1. Warm-up
Warm-up
• Flexibility Exercises
2.
2. Exercise
Exercise Prescription
Prescription
• Cardiovascular Endurance Activity
(30 minutes)
l Cool-down
Cool-down
• Flexibility Exercises
 DATA COLLECTION
Intervention Treatment Exercise Program

Warm-up
Warm-up &
& Cool-down
Cool-down Flexibility
Flexibility Exercises
Exercises
1. Inverted Hurdler 6. Bicep Stretch
2. Butterfly Stretch 7. Tricep Stretch
3. Pretzel Stretch 8. Shoulder Cross
4. Straddle Stretch 9. Chest Door Stretch
5. Quadricep Stretch 10. Calf Stretch
 DATA COLLECTION
Intervention Treatment Exercise Program

Exercise
Exercise Prescription:
Prescription: Cardiovascular Endurance Activity

Participants completed 30 minutes of one the following

Cardiovascular Endurance Activities:

1. Brisk Walking
2. Stationery Bicycle
3. Elliptical Machine
4. Swimming

(frequency of 3 times per week for 8 weeks for a total of

24 workouts)
DATA COLLECTION
www.SeniorUniversityEdu.us
DATA COLLECTION
www.SeniorUniversityEdu.us
 DATA COLLECTION
Online Kinesiofitness
Introduction

I bet your wondering,

"How can I take a Fitness Class Online?”
DATA COLLECTION
DATA COLLECTION
www.SeniorUniversityEdu.us
DATA COLLECTION
www.SeniorUniversityEdu.us
DATA COLLECTION
www.SeniorUniversityEdu.us
DATA COLLECTION
www.SeniorUniversityEdu.us
RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Based on the literature review, it is

hypothesized that a monitored online
exercise program will have a beneficial
effect on depression among SENIOR
ADULTS.
STATISTICAL PROCEDURE
 Descriptive interpretation of GDS
Questionnaire scores represented in
mathematical terms.

 Dependent analysis of numerical

(QUANTITATIVE) data for Pre and Post Test
Mean Differences of one Group.
 RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS
Participant Demographics Table
(ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT: Only one participant dropped out of the study.)

Gender Male 38% Female 62%

12 participants 19 Participants

Age 50-60 years 61-69 years

20 Participants 10 Participants

70-80 years
1 Participant
Marital Status Single 66% Married 34%

21 Participants 10 Participants
 RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS
Depression Scale Post-Test Statistics
Scores: 5,2,3,4,5,4,3,4,4,3,3,4,4,4,3,4,5,3,3,4,3,3,5,5,5,5,4,3,4,5

Total Numbers: 30
Range: 3
Mean (Average): 3.86667
Standard deviation: 0.86037
Variance (Standard deviation): 0.74023
Population Standard deviation: 0.84591
Variance (Population Standard deviation): 0.71556

REFLECTS A NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

ALL n POST-TEST SCORES WERE LOWER THAN PRE-TEST
 RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS
Depression Scale Mean Scores

Before After

----->
 RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS
Depression Scale Scores Range = 7

Before After
9
8
7
6
5 Before Online
Exercise Class
-----> 4
After Online
3 Exercise Class
2
1
0
Depressed Not Depressed
 RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS
Depression Scale Scores Range = 7

Before After

-----
>
 RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS
Depression Scale Post-Test Range
Post-Test Range = 3
5
4.5
-----> 4
3.5
3
2.5 Mean Score
2 High/Low Scores
1.5
1
0.5
0
Mean High Low
 RESULTS OF THE ANALYSIS
Depression Scale Mean Scores
Before After
6.06 3.9 Numerical Average

-->
 CONCLUSIONS
1. This research study provides evidence and
empirical support for the importance of
exercise in reducing depression symptoms in
Senior adults.

2. A regular exercise program (3 times per

week) administered via the internet is an
effective aid in the treatment of depression in
SENIOR ADULTS.

3. Online “Working Out Works” as a Treatment

for Depression in Older Adults.
 IMPLICATIONS FOR
FURTHER RESEARCH
1. Further research could compare and
analyze the effects of a muscular strength
training exercise program verses a
cardiovascular training exercise program.

2. Research could also include a larger

population size with varied levels of
depression.

3. A control group can be added to future

research for more detailed analysis and
comparison of data.
 DISCUSSION
Online
“Working Out Works”
as a Treatment for
Depression in Older
Adults.
THE END