We all know that a bit of exercise every day is good for our mental and physical well-being. Now, new research suggests that as little as one hour of exercise a week could prevent depression.
In the most extensive study of its kind, analysis of more than 30,000 adults revealed those who did not engage in any exercise were twice as likely to suffer from depression, compared to those who exercised one to two hours a week.
American Journal of Psychiatry published the research and revealed that 12% of depression cases could have been prevented by a small amount of regular exercise.
“Small amounts of exercise, from one hour per week, can deliver significant protection against depression,” according to the study’s lead author, Associate Professor Samuel Harvey says.
“We’ve known for some time that exercise has a role to play in treating symptoms of depression, but this is the first time we have been able to quantify the preventative potential of physical activity in terms of reducing future levels of depression. These findings are exciting because they show that even relatively small amounts of exercise, from one hour per week, can deliver significant protection against depression.”
The Australia-based Black Dog Institute, an international research team, studied 33,908 Norwegian adults whose levels of exercise and symptoms of depression and anxiety were monitored over 11 years.
The healthy group of participants was asked to report how often they exercise and at what intensity. Ranging from without becoming breathless or sweating to becoming breathless and sweating or exhausting themselves.
They completed a self-report at a follow-up stage, to indicate any emerging anxiety or depression.
The research team also took into account variables which might impact the association between exercise and common mental illness. Theses included socio-economic and demographic factors, substance use, body mass index, new onset physical illness and perceived social support.
Prof Harvey added: “These results highlight the great potential to integrate exercise into individual mental health plans and broader public health campaigns. If we can find ways to increase the population’s level of physical activity even by a small amount, then this is likely to bring substantial physical and mental health benefits.”
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