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Let's get physical: A contemporary review of the anxiolytic effects of exercise for anxiety and its disorders
Depression and anxiety
Short Title: Depress.Anxiety
Format: Journal Article
Publication Date: Nov 30, 2012
Pages: 362 - 373
Sources ID: 69471
Notes: Cited By :113Cited By :113
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)
Research over the past few decades has focused on the therapeutic effects of physical exercise among those affected by mood disorders. Only recently has attention turned to maladaptive and persistent expressions of anxiety, with a growing body of evidence indicating promise for exercise as an effective treatment for some of the anxiety disorders. The current review provides a comprehensive account of contemporary research examining the anxiolytic effects of exercise for anxiety disorders. We synthesize pertinent research regarding the effects of various types of exercise within the different anxiety disorders, consider impact of various types of exercise regimens on anxiety, and examine potential anxiolytic mechanisms responsible for positive mental health gains. We conclude with important considerations for implementing exercise as a treatment for clinically significant anxiety as well as future research directions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.