For students, consistent exercise may matter more for mental health than intense workouts
Infrequent exercise is associated with a higher prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety among higher education students in Norway, according to a study published in PLOS ONE by Michael Grasdalsmoen of Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and colleagues. The findings highlight the potential value of consistent physical activity rather than intense, prolonged…
A study published in PLOS ONE found that infrequent exercise may be a more significant factor in the mental health of Norwegian higher education students compared to intense workouts. Researchers from Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, led by Michael Grasdalsmoen, examined the impact of regular physical activity on the development of common mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, among 10,460 students aged 18-35.
The study, which used standardized diagnostic instruments, revealed that lower exercise levels were linked to a higher risk of these disorders one year later. The associations appeared to be more consistent with exercise frequency than intensity or duration, with risk decreasing as weekly activity increased up to about 10 hours.
Meeting the World Health Organization's recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week was also associated with a lower prevalence of mental disorders. The findings suggest that consistent exercise, rather than intensity or duration, may play a crucial role in preventing anxiety and depression among students during a vulnerable period.
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