How does sport affect mental health? An investigation into the relationship of leisure-time physical activity with depression and anxiety

Abstract

Purpose. Physical activity (PA) can protect from developing mental disorders. Knowledge regarding optimal PA intensity, type, context, and amount for mental health is sparse. this study aims to determine the relationship between leisure-time PA and prevalence of depression and anxiety, and whether associations vary by PA amount, context, intensity, and type. Methods. Overall, 682 recreational athletes (age: M = 33.0 years; SD = 12.4; 53% female) completed a questionnaire on personal characteristics related to their leisure-time PA behaviour, the centre of Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (cES-D), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale. Effect sizes (cohen's d, 2 partial) and power analyses using G*Power were applied. Results. Individuals who met PA recommendations (n = 596) reported lower depression scores (M = 11.69; SD = 8.57) than those who did not meet the recommendations (n = 86; M = 12.88; SD = 8.73). Lowest depression and anxiety scores were observed for indoor team athletes (M = 10.75; SD = 7.66 and M = 2.94; SD = 3.03, respectively), followed by outdoor individual athletes (M = 11.17; SD = 9.41 and M = 3.39; SD = 3.50, respectively). Under specific conditions, high depression scores were noted for vigorous-intensity PA levels (M = 20.5; SD = 4.94). Conclusions. Meeting the WHO PA recommendations (moderate-intensity PA 150 min/week) reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, no linear dose-response relation was observed. No differences were found between in-and outdoor or team and individual sports but between sport disciplines. Prospective research to evaluate the reasons is needed.

The Relationships between Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction and Happiness among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Adults

“…The first is through the improvement of physical health, including cardiovascular status, strength, and functional capacity. The second is through changes in psychological variables, such as decreased anxiety and depression and increased self-efficacy, view of oneself, and mental health [ 6 , 9 , 27 , 28 ]. In addition, people with mental health issues could derive higher life satisfaction from exercise.…”

Does Physical Activity Matter for the Mental Health of University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

“…The anti-depressive and anxiolytic effects of physical activity on clinical and non-clinical populations were evidenced in a great number of studies e.g., [70,71,75,76]. A systematic review and meta-analysis showed that PA reduces depression by a medium effect and anxiety by a small effect, in non-clinical populations [77,78]. Previous meta-analyses found a moderate-to-strong negative relationship between PA and depression and inconsistent association of PA with anxiety (ranged between not statistically significant effect to a moderate beneficial effect of PA on anxiety) in clinical populations.…”

Life satisfaction, life quality, and leisure satisfaction in health professionals

“…4,5 In the literature, there has been a consensus that leisure time consists of activities such as sports, exercising, and recreational walking. 5,6 It is important how the individual evaluates this time rather than having free time, and the level of satisfaction about it. 1,2 Beard and Ragheb 1 stated that leisure time has psychological, educational, social, relaxing, physiological, and aesthetic aspects.…”

“…The aesthetic aspect of the leisure time includes the satisfaction of the entertainment environment and the activities provided by the individual. 1 Siefken et al 6 reported that the level of depression is reduced "an investigation into the relationship of leisure-time physical activity with depression and anxiety." Vancampfort et al 7 determined a positive relationship between an unplanned leisure time and loneliness.…”