HESRM Graduate Student’s Research Chosen as Editor’s Choice in Mayo Clinic Proceedings
Posted on August 5th, 2016 by staff
Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management student Meghan K. Edwards, and rising PhD student, recently had her master’s thesis “Effects of a Sedentary Behavior–Inducing Randomized Controlled Intervention on Depression and Mood Profile in Active Young Adults” (a collaboration Dr. Paul Loprinzi, assistant professor of HESRM) published in the August 2016 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
According to the abstract, “Participants who were confirmed to be active via self-report and accelerometry were randomly assigned to either a sedentary behavior intervention or a control group…The intervention group was asked to eliminate all exercise and minimize steps to 5000 or less levels for 1 week, whereas the control group was asked to continue normal physical activity levels for 1 week.”
The conclusion of the research was that sedentary behavior had a detrimental effect on mood, even causing depression.
Dr. Edward Laskowski of Mayo Clinic Proceedings picked Edwards’ research as editors choice in the issue. “The physical health benefits of exercise are well known and well documented, but the psychosocial benefits of activity may not be as apparent….The benefits are clear. It is now up to physicians and other health care professionals to ensure that the next generation (1) sees us as role models regarding physical activity and the reduction of sedentary behavior and (2) receives the information and encouragment from us that they need to make physical activity and movement part of their lifestyles. The costs of withholding this form of treatment from ourselves and from our patients are high indeed.”
Congratulations to Meghan Edwards to her research!