Scientists from the University of South Austria summarized 97 existing studies on the links between physical activity and psychological suffering, including depression and anxiety. In total, this vast work led scientists to study more than a thousand trials including more than 128,000 participants.
The studypublished in the medical journal British Journal of Sports Medicineconcludes that physical activity is beneficial in significantly improving the symptoms of depression and anxiety. And this, from the establishment of physical activity routines for 12 weeks or less. According to the study, sports people would be 1.5 times more likely to see improvement in depression or anxiety compared to people treated with therapy or medication.
A little exercise can have real positive effects on mental health
In addition, scientists have noticed that exercises of higher intensity but rather of short duration were the most effective. Furthermore, all types of physical activity and exercise were beneficial, including aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, Pilates, and yoga.”
“Research shows it doesn’t take a lot of exercise to make a positive change in your mental health”said Singh, lead author of the study.
Mental disorders and depression in particular take different forms, with varying levels of severity, which can lead to varied treatments on a case-by-case basis. Thus, for a not very intense form, the treatment is based on psychotherapy. In the event of severe depression with a significant functional impact (loss of weight, difficulty concentrating, inability to work, etc.), antidepressants are associated.
In addition, offering physical activity could improve the chances of recovery according to this study. The researchers thus suggest in conclusion that “physical activity should be a fundamental approach in the management of depression, anxiety and psychological distress”.
According to the World Health Organization, up to 1 in 8 people worldwide suffer from a mental disorder. In France, “the prevalence of depression fluctuates between 10 and 15% of the population“, explained to Top Santé, Pr Pierre-Michel Llorca, professor of psychiatry and head of the psychiatry department at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital. This means that in their lifetime 15% of individuals will suffer from depression.
Sources:
- Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health, University of South Austria, February 24, 2023.
- Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic reviews, BMJ.
