A key study examining the impact of exercise on anxiety was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. This systematic review analyzed eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess exercise’s effectiveness compared to other treatments for anxiety disorders. Key findings include: 1. Effectiveness Compared to Antidepressants: Exercise reduced anxiety symptoms but was generally less effective than antidepressant medications. 2.Combination Therapy Benefits: Combining exercise with antidepressants or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) improved outcomes significantly. 3.Type of Exercise: Both aerobic and anaerobic exercises were shown to reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, but there was no clear indication of which type was superior. The study concludes that while exercise is a beneficial adjunctive treatment for anxiety disorders, further high-quality RCTs are needed to refine recommendations.
