Effects of Callanetics Exercises on Mental Health Among Occupational Women in the Federal Capital Territory
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63561/jhssr.v2i3.845Keywords:
Depression, Anxiety, Low-impact Exercise, Exercise Intervention and StressAbstract
The mental health of occupational women has become a critical concern, particularly in urban settings like the Federal Capital Territory, where work-related stress and societal expectations contribute to anxiety and depression. This study examines the effects of Callanetics exercises on the mental well-being of occupational women. A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group was employed, involving 100 participants divided into an experimental group and a control group. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. The results indicate a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms (F(1,97) = 37.31, p < .05, η² = 0.28), suggesting that callanetics accounted for 28% of the observed variance in anxiety symptoms. Similarly, depression symptoms significantly decreased in the experimental group (F(1,97) = 12.16, p < .05, η² = 0.11), confirming the positive impact of callanetics on emotional well-being. Also, the interaction effect between treatment and age was statistically significant, F(4, 89) = 2.65, p = .04, η² = .10, which suggests that the effect of treatments differs across age categories. These findings support the integration of callanetics exercises into mental health interventions for occupational women, particularly in high-stress environments. Given its accessibility, minimal equipment requirements, and focus on mindfulness, Callanetics presents a non-pharmacological approach to improving psychological well-being. The study highlights the need for workplace and community-based exercise programmes to enhance mental health outcomes among working women. Future research should explore long-term adherence and potential adaptations for different populations.
References
Abass, A. O., & Ojo, O. R. (2016). Exercise as a therapeutic strategy for preventing and managing low back pain. Journal of Nigeria Association of Sports Science and Medicine, 17: 45-50
Adewuyi, O., Ajayi, M., & Balogun, T. (2020). Impact of urban lifestyle on mental health: A focus on occupational women in Nigeria. Journal of Urban Health, 15(2), 87-102.
Ajala, R. B., Adedokun, K. I., Adedeji, O. C., & Ojo, O. R. (2020). Aerobic Dance Exercise and its Effect on Cardiorespiratory Variables and Body Composition of Obese Youth and Adolescents in College of Education Ila- Orangun, Nigeria. The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 8(8), 22-28. ISSN 2321 – 9203
Ajayi, O. A., Abayomi, A. O., & Ojo, O. R. (2013). Promotion of aerobic dance exercise for people with mental health problems. Journal of Nigeria Association of Sports Science & Medicine 14:138-143.
Andersson, L. M. C., Schierenbeck, I., Strumpher, J., Krantz, G., Topper, K., Backman, G., & Van Rooyen, D. (2013). Help-seeking behavior, barriers to care and experiences of care among persons with depression in Eastern Cape, South Africa. Journal of Affective Disorders. Advance online publication. http://www.socmed.gu.se/digitalAssets/1458/1458244_1-s2-0-andersson-et-al-depression-south-africa-2013.pdf DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2013.06.022
Blumenthal, J. A., Babyak, M. A., Doraiswamy, P. M., Watkins, L., Hoffman, B. M., Barbour, K. A., Herman, S., Craighead, W. E., Brosse, A. L., Waugh, R., Hinderliter, A., & Sherwood, A. (2007). Exercise and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Psychosomatic Medicine, 69(7), 587–596. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0b013e318148c19a DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0b013e318148c19a
Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822-848. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.822 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.822
Craft, L. L., & Perna, F. M. (2004). The benefits of exercise for the clinically depressed. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 6(3), 104-111. https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.v06n0301 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.v06n0301
Dong, Y., Zhang, X., Zhao, R., Cao, L., Kuang, X., & Yao, J. (2024). The effects of mind-body exercise on anxiety and depression in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15, 1305295. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1305295 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1305295
Dunn, A. L., Trivedi, M. H., Kampert, J. B., Clark, C. G., & Chambliss, H. O. (2017). Exercise treatment for depression: Efficacy and dose-response. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 28(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2004.09.003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2004.09.003
Ekwueme, C. O., & Okoye, P. U. (2020). Occupational stress and mental health outcomes among working women in Nigeria. African Journal of Psychology, 12(3), 45-62.
Ensari, I., Greenlee, T. A., Motl, R. W., & Petruzzello, S. J. (2015). Meta-analysis of acute exercise effects on state anxiety: An update of randomized controlled trials. Psychosomatic Medicine, 77(6), 631-643. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000206 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000206
Guszkowska, M. (2004). Effects of exercise on anxiety, depression and mood [in Polish] Psychiatry Policy 38(4):611–620.
Jayakody, K., Gunadasa, S., & Hosker, C. (2014). Exercise for anxiety disorders: A systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(3), 187-196. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2012-091287 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2012-091287
Johnson, M., Smith, L., & Taylor, R. (2018). The impact of Callanetics on self-esteem and perceived stress in women: A controlled study. Journal of Women's Health and Fitness, 22(1), 33-47.
Paluska, S. A., & Schwenk, T. L. (2000). Physical activity and mental health: Current concepts. Sports Medicine, 29(3), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200029030-00003 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200029030-00003
Pinckney, C. (1984). Callanetics: 10 years younger in 10 hours. Harper & Row.
Rebar, A. L., Stanton, R., Geard, D., Short, C., Duncan, M. J., & Vandelanotte, C. (2015). A meta-meta-analysis of the effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety in non-clinical adult populations. Health Psychology Review, 9(3), 366-378. https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2015.1022901 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2015.1022901
Schuch, F. B., Vancampfort, D., Rosenbaum, S., Richards, J., Ward, P. B., & Stubbs, B. (2018). Exercise improves physical and psychological quality of life in people with depression: A meta-analysis including the evaluation of control group response. Psychiatry Research, 266, 317-326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.023
Stubbs, B., Vancampfort, D., Hallgren, M., Firth, J., Veronese, N., Solmi, M., Brand, S., Cordes, J., Malchow, B., Gerber, M., Schmitt, A., Correll, C. U., De Hert, M., Gaughran, F., Schneider, F., Kinnafick, F., Falkai, P., Möller, H.-J., & Kahl, K. G. (2018). EPA guidance on physical activity as a treatment for severe mental illness: A meta-review of the evidence and position statement from the European Psychiatric Association (EPA), supported by the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Mental Health (IOPTMH). European Psychiatry, 46, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.07.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.07.004
Toriola, A. L., & Monyeki, M. A. (2024). Perceived barriers to physical activity participation among university students in Zimbabwe. African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences, 30(1), 74–86. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11335725/
World Health Organization. (2021). Mental health at work: Policy brief. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240034668
