Mood Changes in Weeks 2 and 6 of a Graduated Group Walking Program in Previously Sedentary People with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Exercise-induced mood improvements are well documented in relatively young and active populations. However, it is not clear if older sedentary people with chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes also experience these benefits. This is particularly important given that people with type 2 diabetes are not sufficiently active and mood improvement is a potentially important motivator to exercise. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of group walking on mood change in a sample of previously sedentary people with type 2 diabetes who were undertaking a six-week walking program. A multidimensional mood scale was utilised to assess the mood of 24 people aged 40-65 prior to and following sessions of supervised group walking on two occasions: across a 20-minute walk during week 2 of the program; and across a 40-minute walk during week 6 of the program. Results revealed improvements in positive well-being after both sessions of walking, no change in psychological distress, and increases in fatigue after the 40-minute walk. These findings could be useful to people who develop group-walking programs designed to facilitate regular exercise in people with type 2 diabetes.