Physical activity is an effective adjunct treatment strategy for depressive and anxiety disorders, though translation into routine clinical practice remains limited by systemic barriers.
Does physical activity prevent and treat mental disorders in adults?
Physical activity is an effective adjunct treatment for mental disorders, but systemic barriers must be addressed to translate this evidence into routine clinical practice.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this study was to provide psychiatrists with the knowledge, tools and guidance to support physical activity promotion in clinical practice. The review also aims to provide an up-to-date summary of the evidence regarding physical activity in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders in adults. RECENT FINDINGS: There is emerging evidence demonstrating that physical activity can protect against incident anxiety and depression. There is robust evidence showing that physical activity is an effective adjunct treatment strategy for depressive disorders and anxiety and stress-related disorders, with emerging evidence for schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Translation of this evidence into practice is in general ad hoc, and large physical health disparities for people with mental disorders persist. The reasons for this are multifactorial, and include the intersection of social, economic and personal barriers to physical activity. Evidence-based approaches include regular screening of physical activity levels, staff culture change within mental health services and established referral pathways. SUMMARY: Translation of evidence regarding physical activity for mental health into routine programmes is critical. Efforts to move beyond solely targeting individual-level barriers to physical activity and address systemic barriers include lack of access to appropriate exercise services. This requires consideration of training needs, service structure and culture change.
McKeon et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Mental disorders. Physical activity was evaluated. Physical activity is an effective adjunct treatment strategy for depressive and anxiety disorders, though translation into routine clinical practice remains limited by systemic barriers.