Mental health: Study finds low intensity exercise may reduce risk of depression by 23% – News9 LIVE

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A recent study has found a strong relationship between low to moderate-intensity exercise and a lower risk of depression. Check details here

According to studies, daily exercise is good for optimising health and keeping us healthy in both physical and mental ways. (Image: Pixabay)

New Delhi: Exercises are often linked to not only physical health but also mental health. Some studies have shown that people who exercise every day have better mental health and emotional well-being. Moreover, a recent study has found a strong relationship between low to moderate-intensity exercise and a lower risk of depression.

The study has been conducted by the researchers at the Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) to investigate the potential of physical activity as a mental health intervention. In the study, it was found that physical activity lowered the risk of depression by 23 per cent and anxiety by 26 per cent. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Neuroscience and Biobehavioural Reviews.

Low or moderate physical activity included activities such as gardening, golf and walking and reduced risk of depression. However, this was not strongly observed in high-intensity exercise.

Phyical activity reduces mental health to 27 per cent

According to the study, physical activity has been linked to severe mental health conditions, including a reduction in psychosis or schizophrenia by 27 per cent. The findings were the same and consistent in both men and women across all age groups worldwide.

According to the lead author Lee Smith, Professor of Public Health at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in the study noted that mental health prevention is a complicated process that poses a major challenge and needs public attention. These conditions can be cumbersome and necessitate a multi-pronged approach to treatment. This needs to encompass pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes.

These effects of physical activity intensity on depression aims on the need for vital exercise guidelines.

What physical activities improve mental health?

As per reports low to moderate-intensity exercises like walking, hiking or riding a bike can help prevent mental health conditions. Even vigorous activities such as running, swimming hastily, skipping or aerobics also help manage mental health issues.