Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders observed currently. It is a normal adaptive response to stress that allows coping with adverse situations. Nevertheless, when anxiety becomes excessive or disproportional in relation to the situation that evokes it or when there is not any special object directed at it, such as an irrational dread of routine stimuli, it becomes a disabling disorder and is considered to be pathological. The traditional treatment used is medication and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, however, last years the practice of physical exercise, specifically aerobic exercise, has been investigated as a new nonpharmacological therapy for anxiety disorders. Thus, the aim of this article was to provide information on research results and key chains related to the therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise compared with other types of interventions to treat anxiety, which may become a useful clinical application in a near future. Researches have shown the effectiveness of alternative treatments, such as physical exercise, minimizing high financial costs and minimizing side effects. The sample analyzed, 66.8% was composed of women and 80% with severity of symptoms anxiety as moderate to severe. The data analyzed in this review allows us to claim that alternative therapies like exercise are effective in controlling and reducing symptoms, as 91% of anxiety disorders surveys have shown effective results in treating. However, there is still disagreement regarding the effect of exercise compared to the use of antidepressant symptoms and cognitive function in anxiety, this suggests that there is no consensus on the correct intensity of aerobic exercise as to achieve the best dose-response, with intensities high to moderate or moderate to mild.

The effects of exergames on anxiety levels: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…It is already known that non‐pharmacological treatments may minimize the high financial costs and side effects associated with pharmacological treatments 13 . Moreover, according to de Souza et al, 13 91% of the research involving anxiety disorders and physical exercise showed positive exercise results. One aspect which is related to the improvements in anxiety levels in long‐term physical exercise interventions is adherence to the interventions.…”

“…Traditionally, anxiety treatment is accomplished through psychotherapy and/or drug use (eg, serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which require a careful patients’ individual analysis 9‐11 . Furthermore, non‐pharmacological treatment, such as physical exercise, has been used in order to reduce anxiety levels 12‐16 . Exergames (also known as active video games or exergaming) have become popular in the recent decades and allow individuals to perform physical activities and physical exercises 17 through interactions between participants and motion sensors 18‐20 .…”

Exergames as Coping Strategies for Anxiety Disorders During the COVID-19 Quarantine Period

“…In this vein, physical exercise [8][9][10][11][12][13] and dance 14 appear to be feasible nonpharmacological treatments. However, people might not be able to access exercise facilities or to exercise outdoors during this period.…”

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia: an overview on efficacy, recent trends and neurobiological findings

“…[83][84][85] As far as schizophrenia is concerned, it has been widely proved that CBT can reduce symptomatology and promote overall functioning, improving the well-being and quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. Since the first trials targeting positive symptoms in treatment resistant patients, CBT for schizophrenia has clearly advanced.…”