Effects Physical Activity has on Depression
Many people affected by depression tend to be less physically active and more
de-conditioned (loss of fitness or muscle tone) than non-depressed individuals.
Many evidence has been found to link physical activity levels and improved mental health such as in a study conducted by Scott A. Paluska, of the Rex Sports Medicine Institute, and Thomas L. Schwenk who is part of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical Center.
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The goal of their main study was looking at how physical activity affects mental health. In the study, the researchers looked at various levels of depression along with men, women and children of all ages.
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The results of the experiment showed:
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Physical activity appeared to be as effective as other therapeutic modalities for treatment of mild or moderate depressive symptoms
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Running attenuated depressive symptoms in minor depression
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Running was as effective as both time-unlimited and time-limited psychotherapies
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Another study done by C. Barr Taylor, James F. Sallis, and Richard Needle, studied the relation of physical activity and exercise to mental health. Through this research study, they concluded that physical activity helped suppress depressive symptoms by serving as a diversion from sad thoughts, social reinforcement, physical activity helped improve self-efficacy and even increased neurotransmissions of catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, as well as endogenous opioids (endorphins).
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Endorphins play a large role in reducing pain perception and “positive feelings”, similar to morphine, by reacting with receptors in the brain. When exercising, the body releases these chemicals which often results in the feeling known as a “runner’s high” which is described as a positive and energizing outlook on life. The neurotransmitters these endorphin hormones bind to are the same neurotransmitters that some pain medicines bind to as well, however unlike drugs, the body’s endorphins are not addictive and do not lead to dependence.