The impact of exercise on depression: how moving makes your brain and body feel better

Weight loss methods and risk of depression: Evidence from the NHANES 2005-2018 cohort

BACKGROUND

Weight loss behaviors are increasingly common worldwide. While healthy weight loss methods, such as calorie control and exercise, can improve both physical and mental health, harmful practices-such as extreme dieting and the misuse of diet pills-may contribute to depressive symptoms. Understanding the psychological impact of different weight loss strategies is essential for promoting overall well-being.

METHODOLOGY

Data from 9334 non-pregnant participants aged 20-79 years from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. The sample consisted of 60.72 % women and 39.28 % men, with a median age of 47 years and a median BMI of 28.84. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9 scale. Weight loss methods were categorized into healthy practices (e.g., calorie control, exercise) and harmful practices (e.g., extreme dieting, diet pills). Logistic regression models were applied, adjusting for demographic and health factors.

RESULTS

Protective methods, including switching to lower-calorie foods (OR = 0.80, 95 % CI = 0.68-0.94), exercising (OR = 0.61, 95 % CI = 0.53-0.72), and eating more fruits and vegetables (OR = 0.78, 95 % CI = 0.66-0.92), were associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. In contrast, harmful methods such as skipping meals (OR = 1.71, 95 % CI = 1.45-2.02), using diet pills (OR = 1.90, 95 % CI = 1.34-2.69), and vomiting (OR = 2.61, 95 % CI = 1.62-4.21) increased the risk of depressive symptoms. The number of harmful methods was positively correlated with increased depressive symptom risk (OR = 2.72, 95 % CI = 2.09-3.54), while a higher number of protective methods was linked to a decreased risk (OR = 0.50, 95 % CI = 0.37-0.68).

CONCLUSION

The emotional impact of weight loss practices is significant. Healthy weight loss strategies, such as exercise and calorie control, reduce the risk of depressive symptoms, whereas harmful methods increase the risk. These findings underscore the importance of promoting safe and sustainable weight loss methods to protect both physical and mental health.

Exploring the gut-exercise link: A systematic review of gastrointestinal disorders in physical activity

BACKGROUND

The relationship between exercise and gastrointestinal (GI) health is complex and bidirectional. While moderate exercise generally promotes gut health by enhancing motility, reducing inflammation, and supporting microbial balance, intense or prolonged physical activity may exacerbate GI symptoms, particularly in individuals with pre-existing digestive disorders. A deeper understanding of this interplay is essential for optimizing both exercise performance and GI well-being.

AIM

To synthesize current evidence on exercise-related GI disorders, exploring the prevalence, mechanisms, risk factors, and management strategies associated with exercise-induced GI symptoms.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, comprehensive searches of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE were conducted. Studies were included if they focused on exercise-induced GI disorders, encompassed randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional designs, and addressed symptoms across various exercise modalities. Data were extracted and analyzed to identify patterns and implications for clinical and athletic practice.

RESULTS

A total of 231 studies met the inclusion criteria, highlighting both the benefits and risks of exercise on GI health. Regular moderate-intensity exercise, including activities such as walking, cycling, and yoga has been associated with improved GI function in conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and constipation. These benefits are attributed to enhanced intestinal motility, reduced systemic inflammation, and improved gut barrier integrity. Additionally, exercise plays a role in regulating the gut-brain axis, with practices like yoga and Tai Chi demonstrating particular effectiveness in alleviating functional GI disorders. Conversely, high-intensity or prolonged exercise may contribute to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to mechanisms like splanchnic hypoperfusion and increased intestinal permeability. Individual factors, including fitness level, dietary habits, hydration status, and underlying GI conditions, significantly influence the body's response to exercise.

CONCLUSION

Moderate-intensity exercise is a beneficial and well-tolerated intervention for promoting GI health, whereas high-intensity activities require careful monitoring, particularly in individuals with pre-existing GI disorders. Personalized exercise and dietary strategies are essential for balancing the benefits of physical activity with the risk of GI distress. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of exercise on gut microbiota composition and overall digestive health.

Effect of combined aerobic and resistance training exercise on Vo2 max and BMI in overweight collegiate population a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Obesity and overweight are prevalent within college students and represent a major health concern due to sedentary lifestyles and absence of exercise. This study was intended to ascertain the impact of discrete and combined aerobic and resistance training exercises on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and Body Mass Index (BMI) among overweight collegiate population.

METHOD

In this study, 30 male college students aged between 18 and 26 years, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m, were divided at random between three groups: Group 1 (n = 10) engaged in aerobic exercise, Group 2 (n = 10) engaged in resistance training, and Group 3 (n = 10) engaged in combined training regime. BMI was determined using the formula weight/height (kg/m2), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was measured using the Queen's College Step Test, both prior to and following the intervention. The efficacy of the interventions was assessed once the fourth week was over.

RESULT

An ANCOVA showed significant effects of intervention type on BMI and VO₂ Max. For BMI, the Combined group had the lowest post-intervention BMI, F(2, 25) = 10.29, p < .001, η2 = 0.04. VO₂ Max also showed a main effect, F(2, 25) = 61.85, p < .001, η2 = 0.01, with the Aerobic and Combined groups demonstrating the greatest improvements, underscoring the effectiveness of these interventions.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that Combined and Aerobic interventions significantly improve BMI and VO₂ Max, with the Combined group showing the greatest BMI reduction and both Combined and Aerobic groups demonstrating enhanced VO₂ Max.

Cost-effectiveness of physical activity-oriented interventions for improving mental health: a systematic review

QUESTION

Are physical activity-oriented interventions for improving mental health conditions cost-effective? This study systematically identified and summarized published evidence on the cost-effectiveness of physical activity-oriented interventions for improving mental health conditions.

STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS

We searched four databases (PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, PsychArticles, PsychINFO) for published studies (from any time and region) that (1) assessed physical activity-oriented interventions in mental health disorders, (2) undertook a full economic evaluation (and specifically cost-effectiveness analysis or cost-utility analysis), and (3) were in English. Data were extracted from included studies using a predetermined 32-item matrix using the Covidence software platform.

FINDINGS

Search and screening resulted in 11 studies eligible for inclusion. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio ranged from £119 to £152,822 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Physical activity interventions, including group sessions, such as dance exercise and walking, or one-on-one support through telephone or web-based personalized support and guidance, were found to be cost-effective. However, over half of the interventions (55%) were considered to be not cost-effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Our review found that the current evidence is insufficient to conclude whether physical activity-oriented interventions for mental health are a cost-effective when compared with the standard of care of other treatment types. Better designed studies focusing on specific mental health conditions and physical activity interventions that address cost-effectiveness analysis are warranted. Physical activity-oriented interventions for improving mental health should adopt low-cost implementation strategies and include behavioral economics components.

Study on the comorbid mechanisms of sarcopenia and late-life depression

The increasing global aging population has brought greater focus to age-related diseases, particularly muscle-brain comorbidities such as sarcopenia and late-life depression. Sarcopenia, defined by the gradual loss of muscle mass and function, is notably prevalent among older individuals, while late-life depression profoundly affects their mental health and overall well-being. Epidemiological evidence suggests a high co-occurrence of these two conditions, although the precise biological mechanisms linking them remain inadequately understood. This review synthesizes the existing body of literature on sarcopenia and late-life depression, examining their definitions, prevalence, clinical presentations, and available treatments. The goal is to clarify the potential connections between these comorbidities and offer a theoretical framework for the development of future preventive and therapeutic strategies.

The impact of physical exercise on internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors among middle school students: correlation and regression prediction analysis

BACKGROUND

This study explored the impact of physical exercise on internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors among Chinese middle school students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 6368 middle school students from Sichuan, Guangdong, Shandong, Henan, and Jiangxi provinces, using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Achenbach Youth Self-Report (YSR), and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scales (DASS). Latent class analysis, multiple linear regression, and Kendall's tau coefficient tests were employed to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Physical exercise significantly reduced externalizing problem behaviors, including impulsivity (β = 0.188, p < 0.001), hostility (β = 0.129, p < 0.001), and aggressiveness (β = 0.158, p < 0.001), and also alleviated depression (β = 0.087, p < 0.01). Latent class analysis revealed that students with high levels of exercise had significantly fewer externalizing behaviors compared to low-level exercisers (p < 0.001). High-intensity exercise had greater effects, particularly on impulsivity and hostility. Rural male students exhibited higher levels of aggressiveness and hostility, while urban female students benefited more from exercise interventions.

CONCLUSION

Physical exercise has a significant positive impact on reducing externalizing problem behaviors, especially impulsivity, hostility, and aggressiveness, among middle school students. However, its effects on internalizing behaviors are relatively limited. Intervention strategies should consider individual characteristics such as gender and location to maximize effectiveness.

Effects of Active Gamification on Sleep and Anxiety Reduction in Spanish Primary School Children

Background/Objectives: Active gamification, which incorporates game elements with physical interaction, is presented as an innovative strategy to address anxiety problems and sleep quality in children. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an active gamification program on the aforementioned variables in children in primary education. Methods: This study utilized a randomized, controlled trial with 120 children between 8 and 11 years of age, divided into an experimental group, which participated in a 12-week gamified program, and a control group, which continued with traditional physical education classes. Results: The main findings indicate that the intervention had a significant impact on reducing anxiety, with improvements in most of the subscales evaluated except for the obsessive-compulsive disorder subscale. Significant improvements were also found in sleep quality, with reductions in bedtime resistance, nighttime awakenings, parasomnias, and sleep-disordered breathing, although no significant changes were noted in sleep-onset delay, sleep duration, sleep anxiety, and daytime sleepiness. Conclusions: The gamification intervention in physical exercise showed positive effects in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in primary school children, highlighting its potential as an intervention strategy in primary education classrooms.

The effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity continuous training intervention on depression, anxiety, and stress in sedentary female college students: a focus on negative emotion regulation

Objective

Moderate Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) is recognized as an effective intervention for improving negative affect. However, research on its effects across varying levels of negative mood states in sedentary female college students remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 12-week MICT intervention on different levels of negative mood in sedentary female college students.

Methods

A total of 144 participants were randomly assigned to two groups, each consisting of 72 individuals. The participants were further categorized into three negative mood groups: depression, anxiety, and stress, with 24 participants in each group. Within each mood group, participants were divided into three subgroups based on the severity of their mood (mild, moderate, and severe), with 8 participants in each subgroup. The experiment spanned 12 weeks, with two 45-min training sessions per week. Intensity was monitored throughout the experiment using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and heart rate was measured immediately following each session. The training intensity was maintained at 60-69% of HRmax throughout the 12 weeks.

Results

After 12 weeks of MICT, MICT had a positive effect on mild and severe depressive mood, moderate anxiety, and mild stressful mood in sedentary female college students (p < 0.05), but MICT did not have statistically significant effects on moderate depressive mood, mild and severe anxiety, and moderate and severe stressful mood in sedentary female college students (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

MICT may have a beneficial effect on sedentary female college students, particularly those with lower levels of emotional distress. However, due to the absence of a positive control group, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about its specific impact. Future studies should employ more rigorous control designs to better assess the role of MICT in improving both the physical and mental health of sedentary female college students.

The Impact of Exercise Training on Psychological Outcomes, Body Composition, and Quality of Life in Overweight or Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Overweight and obesity are associated with adverse psychological outcomes, compromised body composition, and reduced quality of life (QoL). While exercise training has been proposed as an effective intervention, its impact on these outcomes remains unclear. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of exercise training on psychological outcomes, body composition, and QoL in overweight or obese adults. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed through July 2024, utilizing multiple databases. Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) or mean differences (MDs), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Thirty-one trials involving 2779 participants were included. Exercise training significantly improved mental health (SMD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.39, p = .0003), depression (SMD: -0.52, 95% CI: -0.86, -0.18, p = .003), mood (SMD: 7.55, 95% CI: 10.78, 4.31, p < .00001), waist circumference (MD: -2.77 cm, 95% CI: -4.60, -0.94, p = .003), and lean body mass (MD: 1.16 kg, 95% CI: 0.62, 1.69, p < .0001). Improvements were also observed in various QoL domains, including social functioning (p = .004), physical functioning (p < .00001), vitality (p = .003), general health (p = .001), and environmental quality (p < .00001). However, some psychological, body composition, and QoL variables did not show significant effects. Conclusion: Exercise training positively impacts psychological outcomes, body composition, and multiple QoL domains in overweight and obese adults. These findings highlight the importance of exercise in lifestyle interventions. Further research is needed to determine long-term and consistent effects.

Aerobic Exercise and Metformin: A Dual Approach to Enhancing Glycemic Maintenance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread metabolic condition characterized by elevated glucose levels followed by deficiency in insulin secretion. Metformin notably decreased the incidence of T2DM by 31% and it exerts its effects through various signaling pathways. Databases searched included PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus from 2000 to 2024. One of the primary mechanisms involves AMPK activation which causes reduced lipogenesis and improved fatty acid oxidation in the liver and muscles. Key molecules affected by metformin include acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), both involved in lipid synthesis regulation. Aerobic exercise has also emerged as a crucial component in managing T2DM due to its improved effects on hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity. Key signaling pathways affected in T2DM include the PI3K/Akt, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and MAPK/ERK pathways which play essential roles in regulating glucose homeostasis, glycogenesis, and insulin secretion. When comparing the mechanisms and efficacy of aerobic exercise and metformin, it becomes evident that aerobic exercise primarily enhances physical fitness and metabolic function, while metformin exerts its effects through biochemical pathways involving AMPK activation. Aerobic exercise and metformin are effective for managing T2DM, though they operate through different mechanisms. Regular aerobic exercise improves insulin sensitivity, enhances cardiovascular health, and promotes weight loss, while metformin primarily decreases hepatic gluconeogenesis and enhances insulin secretion. Understanding the intricate signaling pathways affected by metformin and aerobic exercise provides valuable insights into its mechanisms of action and clinical implications for treating diabetic patients effectively.

Effect of serious games over conventional therapy in the rehabilitation of people with multiple sclerosis - a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effect of serious games over conventional therapy on upper-limb activity, balance, gait, fatigue, and cognitive functions in people with multiple sclerosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Search strategies were developed for PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Studies were selected if participants were adults with multiple sclerosis; the intervention consisted of a virtual reality serious game-based program; the control group received conventional therapy; outcomes included upper limb activity, balance, gait, fatigue, or cognitive functions; and used a randomized controlled trial design. Data were synthesized using a standardized mean difference with a random-effects model.

RESULTS

From 2532 studies, seventeen trials were selected (n = 740). Overall, serious games programs effect on upper limb activity, gait, verbal memory, verbal fluency and attention seemed neutral. Balance functions appeared to be improved by semi-immersive virtual reality serious games (SMD = 0.48;95%CI = 0.12-0.84;p = 0.01;I2=0%), fatigue by treadmill serious games (SMD = 0.80;95%CI = 0.40-1.20;p < 0.001) and visuo-spatial memory by semi-immersive virtual reality general cognitive serious games (SMD = 0.35;95%CI = 0.04-0.65;p = 0.03;I2=0%).

CONCLUSION

This review suggests, with a very-low-to-low certainty of evidence, that while some specific serious games may improve balance, fatigue and visuo-spatial memory, their overall effect on upper limb activity, gait, and other cognitive functions appears neutral.