Physical activity for the prevention and management of anxiety in adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22143362Keywords:
anxiety, anxiety disorders, exercise, physical activity, mental health, preventionAbstract
Introduction: Anxiety disorders are the most frequent group of mental disorders, usually begin in youth and generate a burden that has not decreased in three decades; the COVID-19 pandemic added tens of millions of cases. Psychotherapy and serotonergic drugs are not effective for everyone and there are no durable preventive measures, which has renewed interest in modifiable lifestyle factors. The aim was to synthesize evidence on the role of physical activity in the prevention and management of anxiety in adults. Materials and methods: Narrative review of evidence published through October 2024. Results: Prospective cohort studies consistently show that higher physical activity is associated with lower risk of developing anxiety. In people with established anxiety, meta-analyses of controlled trials attribute to aerobic exercise and strength training a small to moderate effect on symptoms, greater with higher intensities; in panic disorder exercise outperforms placebo but is less effective and worse tolerated than medication. Proposed mechanisms combine biological and psychosocial pathways. Doubts persist about optimal type, dose and intensity, and most trials are small and brief. Conclusions: Available evidence supports recommending regular physical activity as an adjunctive measure to prevent and treat anxiety in adults, within general health recommendations and without replacing established treatments.References
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Copyright (c) 2024 Nayra Iohana Benjamim Alves, Solanche Stefany Molinas Franco (Autor/a)
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