Exercise and Mental Health
All activity types can dramatically improve mental well-being, research reveals.
Published in The Lancet Psychiatry, this study titled "Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015" (PMID: 30099000) investigates the relationship between physical exercise and mental health outcomes in a large sample of the U.S. population.
Key Points
Objective: The study aimed to explore how physical exercise correlates with self-reported mental health status among a diverse population of 1.2 million individuals.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study utilised data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) conducted between 2011 and 2015. Participants reported their exercise habits and mental health status over the past month.
Findings:
Individuals who engaged in regular physical exercise reported significantly better mental health compared to those who did not exercise.
On average, those who exercised had 1.49 fewer days of poor mental health in the past month, equating to a 43.2% reduction in the mental health burden.
The study emphasises that all types of exercise were beneficial, but team sports exhibited the best results, showing a 22.3% reduction in poor mental health days. Cycling followed closely with a 21.6% reduction, while aerobic and gym activities were associated with a 20.1% reduction.
Engaging in exercise for 45 minutes per session and participating three to five times per week were linked to positive outcomes.
The study found that even small amounts of exercise (less than once a week) were associated with improved mental health outcomes.
Practical Takeaways
Encouragement of Diverse Activities: Incorporating a variety of exercises—both individual and social—can maximise mental health benefits.
Regular Engagement: Consistent participation in physical activities is crucial for maintaining these mental health benefits over time.
Personal Preference: Individuals should choose exercises they enjoy to increase adherence and overall effectiveness in improving mental health.
This comprehensive analysis underscores the importance of physical activity as a key component in promoting better mental health across diverse populations.
Reference
Chekroud SR, Gueorguieva R, Zheutlin AB, Paulus M, Krumholz HM, Krystal JH, Chekroud AM. Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1·2 million individuals in the USA between 2011 and 2015: a cross-sectional study. Lancet Psychiatry. 2018 Sep;5(9):739-746. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30227-X. Epub 2018 Aug 8. PMID: 30099000.