Cited by 1,269Physical Activity and HealthTreatment of Major DepressionAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

Physical activity, exercise, depression and anxiety disorders

Ströhle, Andreas·2009·Journal of Neural Transmission

Abstract

There is a general belief that physical activity and exercise have positive effects on mood and anxiety and a great number of studies describe an association of physical activity and general well-being, mood and anxiety. In line, intervention studies describe an anxiolytic and antidepressive activity of exercise in healthy subjects and patients. However, the majority of published studies have substantial methodological shortcomings. The aim of this paper is to critically review the currently available literature with respect to (1) the association of physical activity, exercise and the prevalence and incidence of depression and anxiety disorders and (2) the potential therapeutic activity of exercise training in patients with depression or anxiety disorders. Although the association of physical activity and the prevalence of mental disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders have been repeatedly described, only few studies examined the association of physical activity and mental disorders prospectively. Reduced incidence rates of depression and (some) anxiety disorders in exercising subjects raise the question whether exercise may be used in the prevention of some mental disorders. Besides case series and small uncontrolled studies, recent well controlled studies suggest that exercise training may be clinically effective, at least in major depression and panic disorder. Although, the evidence for positive effects of exercise and exercise training on depression and anxiety is growing, the clinical use, at least as an adjunct to established treatment approaches like psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, is still at the beginning. Further studies on the clinical effects of exercise, interaction with standard treatment approaches and details on the optimal type, intensity, frequency and duration may further support the clinical administration in patients. Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge on how to best deal with depression and anxiety related symptoms which hinder patients to participate and benefit from exercise training.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s00702-008-0092-x

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Authors
Ströhle, A.
Affiliations
Stiftung Charité (DE)
Corresponding author
Ströhle, Andreas
Venue
Journal of Neural Transmission
Published
2008-08-23
Volume
116
Issue
6
Pages
777-784
ISSN
  • 0300-9564 (ISSN-L)
  • 1435-1463
OpenAlex
W2161532375
Cited by
1,269
References
104
Citations by year
2026: 29 · 2025: 47 · 2024: 70 · 2023: 102 · 2022: 90 · 2021: 90 · 2020: 93 · 2019: 95 · 2018: 85 · 2017: 69 · 2016: 87 · 2015: 90 · 2014: 87 · 2013: 78 · 2012: 62
FWCI
3.40
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Neural Transmission (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
Keywords
physical activity, depression, anxiety disorders, exercise training, depression prevention, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, mood, exercise therapy, adjunctive therapy, exercise adherence
MeSH terms
Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Exercise Therapy, Humans, Motor Activity, Exercise

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