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Impacto de uma intervenção digital na ansiedade e depressão mediado pela atividade física
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Ansiedade e depressão são perturbações comuns que impactam a saúde mental. Como é
evidente na literatura, atividade física (AF) é eficaz na redução desses sintomas, no entanto, muitos
mantêm baixos níveis de atividade. Para enfrentar essa barreira, intervenções digitais surgem como
ferramentas promissoras, promovendo hábitos saudáveis e eficazes. Assim, esta dissertação analisa
o estudo NoHoW e investiga se a AF medeia o impacto da intervenção digital na redução desses
sintomas. O estudo NoHoW, um ensaio clínico controlado realizado em três centros, examina a
eficácia de abordagens digitais na promoção da AF e na melhoria do bem-estar psicológico.
A amostra compreendeu 906 participantes (70.3% mulheres e 29.7% homens) com idades
entre 19 e 81 anos (M = 44.9, DP = 11.79). Os participantes utilizaram ferramentas digitais para
monitorizar e incentivar a AF, sendo a análise realizada após os seis meses de intervenção. Os
resultados indicaram uma correlação significativa, embora baixa, entre a intervenção digital e a
redução dos níveis de ansiedade e depressão (𝑟= -.07; 𝜌 =.024). A análise estatística revelou que a
intervenção digital teve um efeito direto nos níveis de ansiedade e depressão (𝛽 = - .074; 𝜌 =.024),
mas o impacto não foi mediado pela AF (𝛽 = -.008; 𝜌 = .821). A análise identificou um efeito
direto e total negativo estatisticamente significativo (𝛽 = -0.074, 𝜌 = .024; 𝛽 = -0.073, 𝜌 = .028).
Este estudo sugere a necessidade de melhorias na utilização e na experiência do utilizador
das aplicações exclusivamente digitais para maximizar o seu impacto na saúde mental.
ABSTRACT: Anxiety and depression are common disorders that impact mental health. As evidenced in the literature, physical activity (PA) is effective in reducing these symptoms; however, many individuals maintain low levels of activity. To address this barrier, digital interventions emerge as promising tools, promoting healthy and effective habits. Thus, this dissertation analyzes the NoHoW study and investigates whether PA mediates the impact of the digital intervention on reducing these symptoms. The NoHoW study, a controlled clinical trial conducted at three centers, examines the effectiveness of digital approaches in promoting PA and improving psychological well-being. The sample comprised 906 participants (70.3% women and 29.7% men) aged between 19 and 81 (M = 44.9, SD = 11.79). Participants used digital tools to monitor and encourage PA, and the analysis was carried out after six months of intervention. The results indicated a significant, albeit low, correlation between the digital intervention and reduced levels of anxiety and depression (𝑟 = -.07; 𝜌 =.024). The statistical analysis revealed that the digital intervention had a direct effect on anxiety and depression levels (𝛽 = -.074; 𝜌 =.024), but the impact was not mediated by PA (𝛽 = -.008; 𝜌 = .821). The analysis identified a statistically significant negative direct and total effect (𝛽 = -0.074, 𝜌 = .024; 𝛽 = -0.073, 𝜌 = .028). This study suggests the need for improvements in the use and user experience of digitalonly applications to maximise their impact on mental health.
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ABSTRACT: Anxiety and depression are common disorders that impact mental health. As evidenced in the literature, physical activity (PA) is effective in reducing these symptoms; however, many individuals maintain low levels of activity. To address this barrier, digital interventions emerge as promising tools, promoting healthy and effective habits. Thus, this dissertation analyzes the NoHoW study and investigates whether PA mediates the impact of the digital intervention on reducing these symptoms. The NoHoW study, a controlled clinical trial conducted at three centers, examines the effectiveness of digital approaches in promoting PA and improving psychological well-being. The sample comprised 906 participants (70.3% women and 29.7% men) aged between 19 and 81 (M = 44.9, SD = 11.79). Participants used digital tools to monitor and encourage PA, and the analysis was carried out after six months of intervention. The results indicated a significant, albeit low, correlation between the digital intervention and reduced levels of anxiety and depression (𝑟 = -.07; 𝜌 =.024). The statistical analysis revealed that the digital intervention had a direct effect on anxiety and depression levels (𝛽 = -.074; 𝜌 =.024), but the impact was not mediated by PA (𝛽 = -.008; 𝜌 = .821). The analysis identified a statistically significant negative direct and total effect (𝛽 = -0.074, 𝜌 = .024; 𝛽 = -0.073, 𝜌 = .028). This study suggests the need for improvements in the use and user experience of digitalonly applications to maximise their impact on mental health.
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Description
Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada no ISPA –
Instituto Universitário para obtenção
de grau de Mestre na especialidade de
Psicologia Clínica
Keywords
Intervenção digital Atividade física Ansiedade Depressão Mudança comportamental Digital intervention Physical activity Anxiety Depression Behavior change