A new study shows physical activity reduces depression and anxiety symptoms
According to a recently published review, Ben Singh, Ph.D., from the University of South Australia in Adelaide, and colleagues conducted an umbrella review to synthesize all of the systematic review and meta-analysis evidence through January 2022 on the effects of physical activity on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. The review was shown in British Journal of Sports Medicine the evidence displayed that:
“Physical Activity is highly beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress across a wide range of adult populations, including the general population, people with diagnosed mental health disorders, and people with chronic disease. Physical activity should be a mainstay approach in the management of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress.” Singh stated.
People that seemed to show the most benefit were pregnant and postpartum women, those with depression, HIV, or kidney disease, and otherwise healthy individuals. Furthermore, interventions involving high-intensity physical activity conferred the greatest benefit.
Physical exercise may help those that take medication now for depression and anxiety could in turn reduce the amount taken and could eventually not rely on pharmaceuticals.
Despite these results, the study was limited by the lack of blinding of participants in physical activity trials which may have affected the current findings. Nonetheless, the present study added further evidence to support the inclusion of physical activity as a mainstay treatment in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
We at DETS strive to help you with your overall wellness, not just illness. This includes your mental well-being also.
