NBR: low to moderate intensity exercise protects against depression

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (Anglia Ruskin University) have found that low-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise reduces the risk of depression more effectively than vigorous exercise. The findings are published in the journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews (NBR).

The study by British scientists is a meta-analysis of previously published scientific papers on the effect of physical activity on the severity of the course of depressive disorder, psychosis and schizophrenia. Researchers sought to determine which types of physical activity (vigorous strength and aerobic exercise, gardening, golf, walking, running, leisurely walking) were more likely to promote mental health.

The results showed that low- and moderate-intensity exercise (not involving high energy expenditure, high heart rate and sweating) reduced the risk of developing and worsening symptoms of depression by 23 per cent and anxiety by 26 per cent. Meanwhile, high-intensity exercise did not demonstrate similar therapeutic and preventive effects.

Moderate to light physical activity was also significantly associated with a 27% reduction in the likelihood of developing severe mental disorders such as psychosis and schizophrenia.

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