According to a recent report from the Sweden’s University of Gothenburg, either moderate or vigorous exercise can help with anxiety problems. Scientists claim that movement might assist to alleviate anxiety symptoms even if the disease is persistent.
The research was focused on 286 anxiety patients and was released in the Journal of Affective Disorders. All of the participants came from primary care clinics in Gothenburg, which is located in the northern section of Halland county. 50 % of individuals had been suffering from anxiety for at least ten years, were 70% female, and were 39 years old on average.
For twelve weeks, all subjects were randomized to moderate or vigorous group workout activities. 3 times per week, all treatment teams underwent 60-minute trainings. Cardio and strength exercises were part of the workouts. A warming up was accompanied by 45 minutes of circular exercise at 12 stations, then by a cooldown and stretches.
Results of the study
Following the 12-week treatment, the majority of individuals in the treatment groups moved from a base value of medium to severe anxiety to a reduced level of anxiety. The anxiety problems of individuals in the low-intensity group improved by a ratio of 3.62. For participants who trained at a greater intensity, the comparable factor was 4.88.
Generally, even when it was persistent anxiety, the outcomes indicated that individuals’ anxiety symptoms were greatly reduced. This research, according to the scientists, is a crucial step toward comprehending how physical health may have a significant impact on mental health.
“Doctors in primary care need treatments that are individualized, have few side effects, and are easy to prescribe. The model involving 12 weeks of physical training, regardless of intensity, represents an effective treatment that should be made available in primary care more often for people with anxiety issues,” declared the lead author of the study Malin Henriksson.