The mental health benefits of regular physical activity, and its role in preventing future depressive illness

Abstract

There is a large body of literature which examines the mental health benefits of physical activity. In general, studies report an inverse, dose dependent relationship between leisure-time physical activity participation, and mental health outcomes. Studies also show a positive association between maximal aerobic capacity and general well-being. More recent studies have confirmed the positive effects of physical activity participation on cognition, including the treatment and prevention of dementia. The current exercise prescription suggested for the treatment of depression is similar to that recommended to the general population for the development and maintenance of cardiorespiratory fitness. There is also strong evidence from large population level studies that long term physical activity participation reduces the risk of future depressive illness. From the available evidence, it would appear that physical activity performed at a frequency, intensity, and duration which is substantially less than that required for the development and maintenance of cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness in the general population, may afford significant benefits in reducing the risk of future depressive illness. This may be particularly encouraging for people with prior depressive illness, or at high risk of future depressive illness, since this vulnerable population already faces significant barriers to physical activity participation over and above those encountered by the general population.

Nutritional status and social behavior in preschool children: the mediating effects of neurocognitive functioning

“…These findings in turn have potential implications for public health efforts to promote better nutrition in the early years in order to promote positive social behavior and potentially enhance later health outcomes (Taylor et al 1985). Importantly, increasing evidence demonstrates that physical activity and exercise might provide benefits to overall mental health (Stanton et al 2014), including improving selfimage and reducing the symptoms of anxiety (Taylor et al 1985), which can ultimately reduce the developmental child psychopathology.…”

“…Recent studies suggest that the beneficial effects of physical activity/fitness during childhood and adolescence carry over into adulthood, resulting in an improved health status as indicated by cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal function and body composition (Boreham & Riddoch 2001;Malina 2001;Janssen & Leblanc 2010;Gunter et al 2012). Physical activity has also been linked to improvements in mental health (Stathopoulou et al 2006;Stanton et al 2014), such as the alleviation of depression (Deslandes et al 2009) and anxiety symptoms (De Moor et al 2006) and increased quality of life (Anokye et al 2012). Moreover, research has also shown that psychosocial stimulation (play sessions) during early childhood is linked to reduced involvements in fights and serious violent behavior later in life (Walker et al 2011;Tremblay 2012).…”

Barriers to exercise prescription and participation in people with mental illness: the perspectives of nurses working in mental health

“…Participants completed the Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire – Health Professionals Version (EMIQ‐HP) for which content validity and test‐retest reliability have previously been established (Stanton et al . , ). Briefly, the instrument comprises six domains of exercise knowledge, exercise beliefs, exercise prescription behaviours, barriers to exercise, personal exercise habits and demographics.…”

Music Use in Exercise: A Questionnaire Study

“…It is well established that exercise has physical benefits, reducing the risk of premature mortality (Warburton, Charlesworth, Ivey, Nettlefold & Bredin, 2010) and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease (Myers, 2008). Exercise can also help improve general wellbeing, address symptoms of depression and act as a preventative measure in mental health (Stanton, Happell & Reaburn, 2014). However, it is well-recognised that many people exercise too little, and struggle with motivation.…”