Exercise is good for physical health, but it may also be a new therapeutic approach to managing depression, stress, and anxiety.
That’s according to a new study by Australian researchers, who explained that physical activity may be more effective compared to regular treatment for the condition, and this for the entire population.
Mental health has become an important concern, especially since the outbreak of Covid-19.
The World Health Organization has reported that around 970 million people, equivalent to one in eight people worldwide, suffered from a mental disorder in 2019. This figure has increased by 26% since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
Despite effective prevention and treatment options, most people with mental health problems do not receive adequate treatment and often face discrimination, stigma, and human rights violations. This is an important issue that researchers around the world are working on to address the symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
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Physical exercise
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of South Australia shows that any kind of exercise can be an effective way to manage depression.
According to research, physical activity is very beneficial in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and may be more effective than some current treatments for mental health disorders.
The study involved an extensive analysis of 97 reviews, 1 039 trials, and more than 128 000 participants and was published in the ‘British Journal of Sports Medicine’.
The study found that all types of physical activity and exercise, including walking, yoga, and fitness, are beneficial in managing mental health disorders.
However, the duration and intensity of exercise play an important role in its effectiveness, with interventions lasting 12 weeks or less and higher intensity exercise being the most effective.
These studies also show that exercise is beneficial for a variety of populations, including healthy adults, people with depression, pregnant women, postpartum women, healthy people, and people with HIV or kidney disease.
The researchers found that physical activity was 1.5 times more effective than counseling or medication in reducing symptoms of depression.
The lead researcher, Dr Ben Singh, emphasized the need for physical activity, including structured exercise interventions, to be adopted as a first-line treatment for managing depression and anxiety. Professor Carol Maher, who also worked on the study, hopes that the review will encourage people to consider physical activity as a mainstay approach to managing mental health disorders.
Also read: Teen suicides stem from depression or mood disorders, experts say
Is sedentary lifestyle another disease of our time?
A sedentary lifestyle is increasingly recognized as a major problem in the 21st century, along with mental health.
The World Health Organization and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development have reported that members of the European Union do not meet the recommended level of physical activity, which is 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Failure to meet these physical activity guidelines could result in 11.5 million new cases of noncommunicable diseases by 2050, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
The study’s findings, combined with other studies, underscore the importance of adopting an active lifestyle to maintain good physical and mental health.
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