Acute effect of physical exercise on negative affect in borderline personality disorder: A pilot study

Abstract

Background Physical exercise is an evidence-based treatment to reduce symptoms and negative affect in several psychiatric disorders, including depressive, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. However, the effect of physical exercise on negative affect in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) has not yet been investigated. In this pilot study, we tested the safety, acceptability, and potential acute effects on negative affect of a single session of aerobic physical exercise in adults with BPD. Method After completing a negative mood induction procedure, 28 adults with BPD were randomly assigned to a 20-minute single session of stationary bicycle or a control condition (emotionally neutral video). Results No adverse effects attributed to the physical exercise were reported and it was considered acceptable to patients. Following the negative mood induction, both conditions decreased the level of negative affect with a medium effect size but there was no significant difference between them. Conclusion The results suggest that a single 20-minute session of physical exercise does not produce a reduction of negative affect in BPD. Future research should consider the duration and intensities of physical exercise with the greatest potential to reduce negative affect both acutely and in a more prolonged manner in this patient group.

The impact of exercise on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Furthermore, it has been established as both an effective and cost-efficient intervention for a wide spectrum of psychological issues, encompassing anxiety disorders and depression (14,15). Scholarly research has deduced a notable correlation between physical activity and reduced occurrences of mental ailments (such as depression, stress, negative emotions, and overall psychological distress) and heightened psychological wellbeing (including self-image, life satisfaction, well-being, and mental health) (16)(17)(18). Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered extensive psychological challenges.…”

Pattern, preferences, barriers, and correlates of self-reported physical activity in adults with borderline personality disorder: An online survey in western countries

“…Finally, PA was also found efficient in preventing and reducing risk factors of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes in individuals with mental disorder (Vancampfort et al, 2013). However, only one study to our knowledge analyzed the short-term effect of PA on BPD itself (St-Amour et al, 2022). No study examined the barriers, preferences and pattern of PA in adults with BPD as reported in a recent review (St-Amour, Cailhol, et al, 2021; St-Amour et al, 2023).…”

“…There is a growing interest in research for PA in individuals with BPD. However, to our knowledge there are very few observational studies (St-Amour et al, 2023) and only one experimental study (St-Amour et al, 2022) addressing this topic. To develop well-adapted PA interventions for adults with BPD in the future, we need to identify the most important factors associated with adherence.…”