Walking is better than medicine – that’s the conclusion from the biggest ever review into physical activity and mental health. Researchers at the University of South Australia studied 97 reviews, over 1000 trials and more than 128,000 participants, and found dramatic improvements for those with anxiety, depression and distress who did any kind of physical activity.
The study concluded physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than the leading meds and counselling, and walking and other forms of exercise should become one of the main treatments for mental health conditions. ‘Physical activity is known to help improve mental health,’ says lead researcher, Dr Ben Singh. ‘Yet despite the evidence, it has not been widely adopted as a first-choice treatment. Importantly, the research shows that it doesn't take much for exercise to make a positive change to your mental health.’
