The Benefits of Physical Activity for Mental Health

We are always looking for ways to improve the mental health and well-being of our patients. A recent umbrella review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has provided strong evidence for the benefits of physical activity on symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress in adult populations.

The study found that physical activity had medium effects on depression, anxiety and psychological distress compared with usual care across all populations. The largest benefits were seen in people with depression, HIV and kidney disease, in pregnant and postpartum women, and in healthy individuals. Higher intensity physical activity was associated with greater improvements in symptoms.

These findings are incredibly important for healthcare providers as they highlight the importance of incorporating physical activity into treatment plans for patients experiencing mental health issues. Physical activity can be an effective and accessible intervention that can improve symptoms and overall wellbeing.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of physical activity interventions diminished with longer duration interventions. This suggests that shorter-term interventions may be more effective at improving symptoms.

In conclusion, this study provides strong evidence for the benefits of physical activity on mental health. As healthcare providers, we should encourage our patients to engage in regular physical activity as part of their treatment plan.

PS The link to the paper is HERE.