| Topic: |
Sociology > Depression |
| User: |
"Roman Bystrianyk" |
| Date: |
13 Apr 2007 11:32:55 AM |
| Object: |
Exercise linked to less anxiety, depression |
"Exercise linked to less anxiety, depression", Reuters, April 11,
2007,
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL17170020070411
A regular run through the park may improve not only heart health but
also mental health, a study suggests.
In a study that followed a group of middle-aged British men for 10
years, researchers found that those who got regular vigorous exercise
were less likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder over
time.
The effect was modest, and there was no evidence of a benefit from
other forms of activity, including physical labor at work.
Dr. Nicola J. Wiles and her colleagues at the University of Bristol
report the findings in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
Past research has found that exercise can be helpful for people with
mild-to-moderate depression, but studies have come to conflicting
conclusions as to whether physically active people are at lower risk
of developing depression or anxiety.
To study the question, Wiles's team used data from a 10-year follow-up
of 1,158 middle-aged British men. At the beginning of the study, the
men reported on their exercise habits and any on-the-job physical
activity. They also completed standard screening questionnaires for
depression and anxiety at three points over the study period.
In general, men who reported regular vigorous exercise -- such as
running or playing soccer -- were about one-quarter less likely than
their less active peers to develop depression or anxiety over the next
5 years.
The benefit was no longer evident at the 10-year mark, however.
The findings, according to Wiles and her colleagues, are consistent
with what's been seen in exercise studies of patients with mild
depression. It's thought that exercise may directly affect depression
through actions on certain brain chemicals; it might also have
indirect benefits by improving self-esteem or body image.
Though exercise did not show a strong impact on men's mental health in
this study, the findings point to one more reason to get off the
couch, according to the researchers.
"The widespread encouragement to lead a physically active lifestyle in
order to gain the recognized benefits for physical health may also
have modest short-term benefits for mental health," they conclude.
SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, April 15, 2007.
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