Title
Exercise and the prevention of depression
Research Area
Health
Author
Harvey, S B et al; The American Journal of Psychiatry
Summary of Findings
A study was carried out to address whether exercise provides protection against new-onset depression and anxiety and, if so, what amount and intensity of exericise was required to gain protection.
The research was carried out in Norway where "all inhabitants of the county aged 20 years or older... were invited to complete questionnaires on their lifestyle and medical history and to attend a physical examination" with follow ups being completed 9 to 13 years later. From this data 33,908 individuals who did not show any evidence of mental health or physical health conditions were selected and monitored.
Analysis showed that individuals who were regularly active in their leisure time had lower rates of depression. This lead the researchers to suggest that "12% of future cases of depression could have been prevented if all participants had engaged in at least 1 hour of physical activity each week". Intensity of the activity did not appear to be a factor and there did not seem to be any reduction in rates of anxiety amongst the active groups.
Implications
The researchers found that the protective effect of exericse, in relation to depression, occurred at low levels and was regardless of intensity, suggesting relatively modest changes in population levels of exercise may have important public mental health benefits and prevent a substantial number of new cases of depression.
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