Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .
Effect of pedometer-based walking on depression, anxiety and insomnia among postmenopausal women
Objective Insomnia , anxiety , and depression are some psychological symptoms associated with menopause . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pedometer-based walking on anxiety , insomnia , and depression  among postmenopausal women . Methods In this r and omized , controlled trial , 106 postmenopausal women were r and omly assigned to two groups ( n = 53 in each group ) . Their anxiety , insomnia , and depression levels were assessed using the GHQ-28 and  Beck question naires in the 4th , 8th , and 12th weeks of intervention . The depression level was assessed in the beginning , and in the 12th week of the trial . The members of the intervention group each received a pedometer and were asked to increase their steps by 500 per week . Data were analyzed using the independent t-test , χ2 and repeated- measures tests . Results The levels of anxiety and insomnia decreased in the 8th ( 4.2 ± 2.1 vs. 5.4 ± 2.3 , p = 0.007 ) and 12th week ( 4.3 ± 2.8 vs. 7.2 ± 2.6 , p < 0.001 ) in the intervention group , compared with the control group . The depression intensity decreased in the intervention group , compared with the control group , after 12 weeks ( 13.7 ± 5 vs. 19.6 ± 4.79 , p < 0.001 ) . The intervention group increased their step count from 76 377 steps per month in the first month , to 106 398 in the 3rd month ( p < 0.001 ) . Conclusion This study showed that pedometer-based walking had a positive effect on depression , insomnia and anxiety among postmenopausal women . A walking training program can be considered for postmenopausal women in Iran
Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .