Managing Anxiety and Depression with Exercise

Objective: There are increasingly high rates of depression and anxiety worldwide. Current treatment often consists of psychotherapy and antidepressants which have adverse effects, high costs, and interactions with other medications. Exercise has been proposed as an option for stand-alone treatment of mental illnesses. Methods: Google Scholar and EBSCO host were used to search for peer-reviewed articles published within the last 5 years to examine how exercise can be an option for management of anxiety and depression. A total of 36 articles were reviewed and 11 articles were utilized in this research, including 5 meta-analyses, 3 systematic reviews, 2 randomized controlled trials, and 1 quasi-experimental review. Primary endpoints for this research would include anxiety and depression scores, such as Beck’s Depression and Anxiety Inventories and DASS-21. Results: Exercise has been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, regardless of the type of physical activity. Conclusions: Although there may be some contradicting data, exercise appears to be a noninferior treatment option and can be recommended for management of anxiety and depression given the encouraging data for this indication. Keywords: anxiety, depression, mental health, physical activity, exercise, management, treatmen

Trends in adherence to the muscle-strengthening activity guidelines in the US over a 20-year span

urpose Purpose to evaluate the prevalence and temporal trends in adherence to muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) guidelines among the US population from 1997 to 2018 (pre-Covid 19). Methods We used nationally representative data from the National Health Interview Survey of the US (NHIS; a cross-sectional household interview survey). We pooled data from 22 consecutive cycles (1997 to 2018) and estimated prevalence and trends of adherence to MSA guidelines among adults aged 18–24 years, 25–34 years, 35–44 years, 45–64 years, and ≥ 65 years. Results A total of 651,682 participants (mean age 47.7 years [SD = 18.0], 55.8% women) were included. The overall prevalence of adherence to MSA guidelines significantly increased (p < .001) from 1997 to 2018 (19.8% to 27.2%, respectively). Adherence levels significantly increased (p < .001) for all age groups from 1997 to 2018. Compared with their white non-Hispanic counterparts, the odds ratio for Hispanic females was 0.5 (95% CI = 0.4–0.6). Conclusions It is over a 20-year span, adherence to MSA guidelines increased across all age groups, although the overall prevalence remained below 30%. Future intervention strategies to promote MSA are required with a particular focus on older adults, women, Hispanic women, current smokers, those with low educational levels, and those with functional limitations or chronic conditions

The effect of exercise referral schemes upon health and wellbeing: Initial observational insights using individual patient data meta-analysis from The National Referral Database

Objectives: To examine if exercise referral schemes (ERS)s are associated with meaningful changes in health and wellbeing in a large cohort of individuals throughout England, Scotland, and Wales from The National Referral Database. Methods: Data were obtained from 23,731 participants from 13 different ERSs lasting 6 weeks to 3 months. Changes from pre- to post-ERS in health and wellbeing outcomes were examined including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (SBP & DBP), resting heart rate (RHR), short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS), World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Exercise Related Quality of Life scale (ERQoL), and Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Two-stage individual patient data meta-analysis was used to generate effect estimates. Results: Estimates [95%CIs] revealed statistically significant changes occurred compared to point nulls for BMI (-0.55 kg.m2 [-0.69 to -0.41]), SBP (-2.95 mmHg [-3.97 to -1.92]), SWEMWBS (2.99 pts [1.61 to 4.36]), WHO-5 (8.78 pts [6.84 to 10.63]), ERQoL (15.26 pts [4.71 to 25.82]), ESES (2.58 pts [1.76 to 3.40]), but not RHR (0.22 fc [-1.57 to 1.12]), DBP (-0.93 mmHg [-1.51 to -0.35]). However, comparisons of estimates [95%CIs] against null intervals suggested the majority of outcomes may not improve meaningfully. Conclusions: We considered whether meaningful health and wellbeing changes occur in people who are undergoing ERSs? Regarding this broad question, these results demonstrate that, although many health and wellbeing outcomes improved, the changes be not achieve meaningful levels. This suggests the need to consider the implementation of ERSs more critically to discern how to maximize their effectiveness

Associations of self-reported physical activity and anxiety symptoms and status among 7,874 Irish adults across harmonised datasets: a DEDIPAC-study

Background: Anxiety is an adaptive response to an objective or perceived threat; however, when symptoms become severe and chronic it that can become a maladaptive anxiety disorder. Limited evidence suggests that physical activity may be associated with prevention against anxiety. This study uses data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and The Mitchelstown Cohort Study to investigate cross-sectional associations between physical activity and anxiety symptoms and status among Irish adults. Methods: Both datasets were harmonized (n =7874). The short form International Physical Activity Questionnaire measured physical activity. Participants were classified as meeting World Health Organization physical activity guidelines ((≥150 min weekly of moderate intensity physical activity, ≥75 min weekly of vigorous intensity physical activity, or ≥ 600 MET-minutes) or not. They were also divided into three groups based on weekly MET-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Low: 0-599; Moderate: 600-1199; High: =1200), and three groups based on weekly minutes of walking (Low: 0-209; Moderate: 210-419; High: 420+). Anxiety symptoms were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale with a score of =8 indicating anxiety. Binomial logistic regression, adjusted for relevant confounders examined physical activity-anxiety associations. Results: : Females had higher rates of anxiety than males (28.0% vs 20.0%; p < 0.001). Following adjustment for relevant covariates, meeting physical activity guidelines was associated with 13.5% (95% CI: 2.0–23.7; p = 0.023) lower odds of anxiety. Moderate and High physical activity were associated with 13.5% (− 11.0–32.6; p = 0.254) and 13.6% (1.4–4.2; p = 0.030) lower odds of anxiety compared to Low physical activity, respectively. Moderate and High walking were associated with 2.1% (− 14.5–16.3; p = 0.789) and 5.1% (− 9.3–17.6; p = 0.467) lower odds of anxiety compared to Low walking, respectively

Mortality Trends In Pre COVID And Pandemic Era In A Tertiary Care Setting

Objective: The coronavirus pandemic has emphasized stay-at-home and social distancing policies. Since the beginning of the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been a declining trend of hospital mortality indicating that the pandemic might keep patients from seeking emergency care in a hospital setting. This study was carried out to determine the mortality trends pre-COVID and pandemic periods in a tertiary care hospital. Methods:  Study design: Retrospective observational study Place and Duration: 1st January 2019 to December 2021 at Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC) Hospital Islamabad It was a retrospective review done on death data of pre-COVID (January-December 2019) and pandemic(January 2020-December 2021) period. Data on death was retrieved from medical male and female wards, medical ICU and isolation ward. The mortality rate was measured for both pre-COVID and pandemic periods along with co-morbid for the pandemic period. Descriptive statistics were measured with the SPSS software version. 23.  Association with age, gender and mortality was observed using a chi-square test taking p value ≤ 0.05 as significant. Result: In this study of the 366 deaths, the average age of patients in the pre-COVID and pandemic era was57.40±17.910 and 64.31±16.065 respectively. The males and females were 50.9% and 49.1% in the pre-COVID period while 61.5% and 38.5% in the pandemic period. The frequency of deaths was 46.7% in the pre COVID and 53.3% in the pandemic period with a p-value &lt;0.05. Patients with co-morbid died more in the pandemic era. Conclusion: It was observed that hospital mortality trends were in decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in our setting which may be associated with lockdown, decreased access to the hospitals or fear of going to hospital

Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative review on the impacts of social distancing on the occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of social distancing on the occurrence of symptoms of anxiety and depression reported in scientific production available in 2020, describing and analyzing the main triggering factors of mental health problems/diseases in the period of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The method used was an integrative literature review, with searches in Lilacs, SciELO, Medline, and PubMed databases. The following descriptors were used for the selection of publications: Social Distancing, Anxiety, and Depression, used in combination in the search strategy. To refine the search, filters were used: full text; Language Portuguese, English, and Spanish; Main subject; Type of document, with an article as the only type of literature accepted; Year of Publication 2020. This research identified 37 studies later categorized into five main themes: Physical Inactivity, Reduction of social contact and face-to-face interactions, Financial concerns and economic vulnerability, Loneliness, and Alcohol Consumption. The major impacts of social distancing on mental health were the drastic change in routine, favoring sedentary behavior, and limitation in interpersonal contact indicated in many studies as a generator of a high prevalence of harmful psychological effects, especially depression, anxiety, irritability, and irritability episodes of insomnia. The perception of loneliness as a consequence of the period of social distancing was also identified by most studies as associated with anxious and depressive outcomes and with an increased risk of suicidal ideation, as well as the increased use of alcohol, widely used as an escape from reality in the current context of economic resection, unemployment, indebtedness, and death of family and friends by COVID-19

The benefits of strength training on musculoskeletal system health: practical applications for interdisciplinary care

Global health organizations have provided recommendations regarding exercise for the general population. Strength training has been included in several position statements due to its multi-systemic benefits. In this narrative review, we examine the available literature, first explaining how specific mechanical loading is converted into positive cellular responses. Secondly, benefits related to specific musculoskeletal tissues are discussed, with practical applications and training programmes clearly outlined for both common musculoskeletal disorders and primary prevention strategies

Mental Health Conditions and Exercise

Mental health conditions are a major public health issue affecting many people worldwide. Evidence suggests that physical activity and exercise can prevent and treat mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety. Several mechanisms are involved in the relationship between mental health conditions and exercise, from neurobiological to behavioural mechanisms. This chapter intends to explain the main mechanisms that explain that interaction and present recent evidence from studies that analyse the effects of exercise on mental health outcomes. It also highlights the principles of physical exercise (frequency, intensity, volume, and type) and how they can influence the main outcomes of mental health. Engaging in regular physical activity may prevent the onset of different mental health disorders. Also, evidence shows that exercise diminishes depressive symptoms. This chapter is indicated for health professionals who wish to have a broad view of the relationship between exercise and mental health. This knowledge can be valuable in designing public interventions that aim to treat mental disorders and optimise mental health