The study, featured in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, has unveiled a compelling connection between low to moderate-intensity exercise and a decrease in the likelihood of depression. According to the analysis, engaging in physical activity can lower the risk of depression by 23 percent and anxiety by 26 percent. Notably, a robust correlation was observed between low and moderate physical activity, encompassing pursuits like gardening, golf, and walking, and a diminished risk of depression. Conversely, high-intensity exercise did not exhibit as strong an association with reducing depression risk.
Furthermore, the research highlighted that physical activity also correlated significantly with a reduced risk of severe mental health conditions, including a notable 27 percent decrease in psychosis/schizophrenia.
These findings underscore the importance of incorporating regular physical activity, particularly low to moderate-intensity exercises, into daily routines as a preventive measure against depression and other mental health disorders.
Lead author Lee Smith, Professor of Public Health at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), stated: “Preventing mental health complications effectively has emerged as a major challenge, and an area of paramount importance in the realm of public health. These conditions can be complex and necessitate a multi-pronged approach to treatment, which may encompass 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, whereas high-intensity exercise may worsen stress-related responses in some individuals.”
“Acknowledging differences in people’s response to exercise is vital for effective mental health strategies, suggesting any activity recommendations should be tailored for the individual.”
“The fact that even low to 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 smaller lifestyle changes without feeling they need to commit to a high-intensity exercise programme.”
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