Volume 2, February 2009
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Evidence continues to surface indicating that regular physical activity reduces morbidity and mortality from behavioral health disorders. Although not many studies have been done on the preventive effects of physical activity on behavioral health, some studies do suggest that physical activity can prevent some types of depressive illness. For people who suffer from mental illness, physical activity also appears to improve the ability to perform activities of daily living.
In adults with affective disorders, physical activity can have both short- and long-term benefits on symptoms and may play an important role in the management of mild-to-moderate mental illness, especially depression and anxiety. A 2004 article published in the British Journal of Health and Promotion claims that anxiety symptoms and panic disorder may improve with regular exercise and increased aerobic activity. Studies also show that strength training can significantly reduce depressive symptoms.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that regular physical activity can help keep thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as we age; can reduce risks of depression; and may support improved sleep. CDC research also shows that doing aerobic or a mix of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities three to five times a week for 30 to 60 minutes can improve mental health outcomes, but notes that even lower levels of physical activity is still beneficial.
Because people with depression tend to be less physically active than non-depressed individuals, they are also at much greater risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and respiratory problems than the general population. Therefore, a strong case can be made for including physical activity within depression treatment programs as a way to improve overall quality of health and quality of life. Exercise therapy is also simple and inexpensive and can be customized to a person’s interests, preferences, and physical capabilities. This could present an opportunity for the individual to take charge of a component of his or her own treatment plan, and on a path toward greater self management.
HealthMedia® Move™, the first highly tailored, web-based physical activity program, is an example of a low-cost, effective, scalable solution that could be used to incorporate physical activity into a behavioral health treatment program. Move helps users reframe personal thoughts; identify stage of change, and addresses specific barriers to physical activity like motivation and self-confidence. The program can be personalized to an individual’s race, gender, and age, offers advice on how to overcome barriers such as accessibility, and addresses how to handle balancing the daily pressures of family and work obligations.
“Move was created for people at the lower end of the activity scale and gets to the root of why so many physical activity programs fail,” said HealthMedia® Founder and Chief Science Officer Dr. Vic Strecher. “The goal of Move is not to build muscles, but to build confidence levels and motivation so that sedentary people can achieve and sustain a healthier lifestyle which results in a longer, happier life.”