Noemi Fluetsch1, Carly Levy2, Lindsay Tallon2. 1. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston MA, United States. Electronic address: nflue1@stu.mcphs.edu. 2. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston MA, United States.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Available literature has repeatedly ascertained the inverse relationship of physical activity to mental health. Engaging in regular physical activity decreases symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in a dose-responsive manner. METHODS: Cross-sectional, national data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed to establish the relationship between physical activity and days of poor mental health. The association between physical activity and days of poor mental health was assessed by multiple linear regression using SAS. RESULTS: Findings support the assumption of an inverse dose-response relationship between physical activity levels and self-reported days of poor mental health. Individuals who engage in higher levels of physical activity reported significantly fewer days of poor mental health when compared to those who reported low or no physical activity (e.g. -2.23, 95%CI (-2.31, -2.15)) for highly active vs. inactive individuals (unadjusted model)). Furthermore, individuals who only met the guidelines for aerobic exercise reported significantly fewer days of poor mental health than those who only met the muscle strengthening guidelines (-0.85 (95% CI: -0.98, -0.73)). LIMITATIONS: Due to the cross-sectional study design, the direction of the relationship is unknown and reverse causation is possible. CONCLUSION: Higher physical activity levels were associated with fewer self-reported days of poor mental health, which reiterates the important association between physical activity and mental health with national data. The findings of this study could prove to be valuable for developing interventions aimed at improving mental health. Nonetheless, several research gaps persist that warrant further empirical inquiry.
INTRODUCTION: Available literature has repeatedly ascertained the inverse relationship of physical activity to mental health. Engaging in regular physical activity decreases symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress in a dose-responsive manner. METHODS: Cross-sectional, national data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed to establish the relationship between physical activity and days of poor mental health. The association between physical activity and days of poor mental health was assessed by multiple linear regression using SAS. RESULTS: Findings support the assumption of an inverse dose-response relationship between physical activity levels and self-reported days of poor mental health. Individuals who engage in higher levels of physical activity reported significantly fewer days of poor mental health when compared to those who reported low or no physical activity (e.g. -2.23, 95%CI (-2.31, -2.15)) for highly active vs. inactive individuals (unadjusted model)). Furthermore, individuals who only met the guidelines for aerobic exercise reported significantly fewer days of poor mental health than those who only met the muscle strengthening guidelines (-0.85 (95% CI: -0.98, -0.73)). LIMITATIONS: Due to the cross-sectional study design, the direction of the relationship is unknown and reverse causation is possible. CONCLUSION: Higher physical activity levels were associated with fewer self-reported days of poor mental health, which reiterates the important association between physical activity and mental health with national data. The findings of this study could prove to be valuable for developing interventions aimed at improving mental health. Nonetheless, several research gaps persist that warrant further empirical inquiry.
Authors: Stefano Quarta; Annalisa Levante; María-Teresa García-Conesa; Flavia Lecciso; Egeria Scoditti; Maria Annunziata Carluccio; Nadia Calabriso; Fabrizio Damiano; Giuseppe Santarpino; Tiziano Verri; Paula Pinto; Luisa Siculella; Marika Massaro Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-14 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: David T Lardier; Micah N Zuhl; Kelley R Holladay; Fabiano T Amorim; Raina Heggenberger; Kathryn E Coakley Journal: Int J Ment Health Addict Date: 2022-01-13 Impact factor: 11.555
Authors: Elpidoforos S Soteriades; Paris Vogazianos; Federica Tozzi; Athos Antoniades; Eleftheria C Economidou; Lilia Psalta; George Spanoudis Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-20 Impact factor: 3.390