The effects of the eCoFit RCT on depression and anxiety symptoms among adults with or at risk of Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT

Participation in regular physical activity has significant physical, psychological, and social benefits, including the prevention and treatment of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). The primary aim of this paper was to evaluate the impact of theeCoFit physical activity intervention on depression and anxiety symptoms among adults at risk of, or diagnosed with, T2D. The primary outcomes were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7. The secondary aim was to test for the potential mediators for the intervention effect on mental health. The 20-week intervention was evaluated using a two-arm randomised controlled trial with await list control group. The intervention included two phases: Phase 1 integrated group face-to-face sessions and the use of the eCoFit smartphone application (app); and Phase 2 that included the use of the app only. Participants (n = 84) were assessed at baseline and 10- and 20-weeks post-baseline. Social support, self-efficacy, nature-relatedness, and perceived sleep quality were examined as potential mechanisms for the intervention effects on mental health. A significant interaction for depression severity was observed at 20-weeks (−1.76, CI −3.48, −05, p= .044, d= −0.35). There were no significant intervention effects for anxiety or any of the potential mechanisms.

KEYWORDS:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• physical activity
• mental health
• cognitive-behavioural strategies
• smartphone application
• depression symptoms
• anxiety symptoms
• outdoor environment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), NSW, Australia [HMRI13-52].