Summary: Low to moderate intensity exercise significantly reduces rates of depression. The global review looked at global studies and found a 23% decrease in the risk of depression and a 26% decrease in the risk of anxiety associated with physical activities such as gardening and walking.
These findings underscore the importance of accessible physical activities in mental health strategies and underscore the need for exercise recommendations to be tailored to individual needs and abilities.
Key factors:
- Physical activities of low to moderate intensity reduce the risk of depression by 23% and anxiety by 26%.
- Unlike high-intensity exercise, moderate activities such as walking and gardening show a stronger link to mental health benefits without increasing stress responses.
- The beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health were consistent across diverse demographic groups worldwide, emphasizing its universal applicability.
Source: Anglia Ruskin University
New research has found a significant association between participation in low- to moderate-intensity exercise and reduced rates of depression.
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) conducted a comprehensive review of studies conducted worldwide to examine the potential of physical activity as a mental health intervention.
The analysis, published in the magazineNeuroscience and Biobehavior Reviews,found that physical activity reduced the risk of depression by 23% and anxiety by 26%.
A particularly strong association was found between low and moderate physical activity, which included activities such as gardening, golf and walking, and a reduced risk of depression. However, this was not strongly observed for high-intensity exercise.
Physical activity was also significantly associated with a reduced risk of serious mental illness, including a 27% reduction in psychosis/schizophrenia.
The results were consistent in both men and women, and across different age groups and around the world.
Lead author Lee Smith, Professor of Public Health at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: Effectively preventing mental health complications has become a major challenge and an area of great importance. in the field of public health.
“These conditions can be complex and require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, which may include pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.
These effects of physical activity intensity on depression highlight the need for precise exercise guidelines. Moderate exercise can improve mental health through biochemical reactions, while high-intensity exercise can worsen stress-related responses in some people.
Recognizing the differences in people’s response to exercise is vital to effective mental health strategies, suggesting that any activity recommendations should be tailored to the individual.
The fact that even low or moderate levels of physical activity can be beneficial for mental health is particularly important, given that these levels of activity may be more achievable for people who can make more lifestyle changes. small without feeling that they need to commit to a high intensity. exercise program
About this research news about depression and exercise
Author: Jamie Forsyth
Source: Anglia Ruskin University
Contact: Jamie Forsyth – Anglia Ruskin University
Image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original search: Open access
“Physical activity and the prevention of mental health complications: an overview” by Lee Smith et al. Neuroscience and Biobehavior Reviews
Summary
Physical activity and prevention of mental health complications: a general review
The potential of physical activity to prevent mental health problems has attracted the interest of health professionals. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence supporting the relationship between physical activity and the prevention of mental health complications.
Our results revealed a significant association between higher levels of physical activity and a reduced risk of depression (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.72 0.82). This association was consistent across various age groups, sexes, and geographic regions.
Interestingly, low and moderate intensity physical activity showed the most significant protective effects against depression (low intensity: OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.750.56; moderate intensity: OR = 0.79, CI 95%: 0.720.87). Our analysis also showed significant associations between higher levels of physical activity and prevention of anxiety disorders (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.610.82).
However, the evidence for the association between physical activity and the risk of psychosis/schizophrenia was less clear.
These findings underscore the potential of physical activity as a preventive measure against mental health complications, highlighting the importance of promoting physical activity in mental health interventions.
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