Exercise and Its Effect on Depression
Exercise and Its Effect on Depression
Abstract
Depression affects 340 million people worldwide and is ranked fourth in its global impact on modern society. The current review demonstrates that clinical long-term human studies need to be performed in an effort to provide conclusive evidence of whether physical activity can reduce or prevent the effects of depression and other mental disorders in humans. There have been hundreds of studies measuring the effects of exercise on depression since the early 1900s. Many of these studies indicate a solid correlation between exercise and sound mental health; however flaws in testing, methodology, and lack of study follow-up have hindered the collection of any conclusive results. Fifteen scholarly articles have been compiled in an effort to identify relationships and contradictions, as well as filling gaps and finding inconsistencies in previous studies. Of the 15 articles reviewed, 11 present clear evidence of exercise’s positive effect upon on study populations’ mental health. More in-depth studies are needed to end this debate once and for all.
Table of Contents
Methods 4
Article Selection 4
Article Details 5
Results 5
Populations of Test Subjects 5
Discussion 6
Conclusion 10
References 11
Exercise and Its Effect on Depression Vigorous physical activity has been a part of human life for eons. From the plains of Africa, where every day was a struggle to survive, to early pioneer America, where wanting something meant you had to work for it. That was the human condition, cursed to a life of physical labor that was directly linked to our very survival…until now. Humans have learned to think their way out of performing the physical work necessary to support most of their everyday needs. Today, technology serves humankind all over the globe. While this is not a bad thing, research shows a direct correlation between vigorous physical activity and improved mental health,
Abstract
Depression affects 340 million people worldwide and is ranked fourth in its global impact on modern society. The current review demonstrates that clinical long-term human studies need to be performed in an effort to provide conclusive evidence of whether physical activity can reduce or prevent the effects of depression and other mental disorders in humans. There have been hundreds of studies measuring the effects of exercise on depression since the early 1900s. Many of these studies indicate a solid correlation between exercise and sound mental health; however flaws in testing, methodology, and lack of study follow-up have hindered the collection of any conclusive results. Fifteen scholarly articles have been compiled in an effort to identify relationships and contradictions, as well as filling gaps and finding inconsistencies in previous studies. Of the 15 articles reviewed, 11 present clear evidence of exercise’s positive effect upon on study populations’ mental health. More in-depth studies are needed to end this debate once and for all.
Table of Contents
Methods 4
Article Selection 4
Article Details 5
Results 5
Populations of Test Subjects 5
Discussion 6
Conclusion 10
References 11
Exercise and Its Effect on Depression Vigorous physical activity has been a part of human life for eons. From the plains of Africa, where every day was a struggle to survive, to early pioneer America, where wanting something meant you had to work for it. That was the human condition, cursed to a life of physical labor that was directly linked to our very survival…until now. Humans have learned to think their way out of performing the physical work necessary to support most of their everyday needs. Today, technology serves humankind all over the globe. While this is not a bad thing, research shows a direct correlation between vigorous physical activity and improved mental health,
References: Dinas, P. C., Koutedakis, Y., & Flouris, A. D. (2010), Effects of exercise and physical activity on depression. Irish Journal of Medical Sciences, (180), 319-325. doi: 10.1007/s11845-010-0633-9 Hoffman, B Lake, J., Helgason, C., & Sarris, J. (2012), Integrative mental health (IMH): Paradigm, research, and clinical practice. Explore, 8(1), 50-57. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2011.10.001 Lawlor, D Roshanaei-Moghaddam, B., Katon, W. J., & Russo, J. (2009), The longitudinal effects of depression on physical activity. General Hospital Psychiatry, 31, 306-315. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2009.04.002 Shin, K Taylor, C. B., Sallis, J. F., & Needle, R. (1985), The relation of physical activity and exercise to mental health. Public Health Reports, 100(2), 195-202.