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Journal article Open Access 50 Citations

Effects of aerobic exercise on anxiety disorders: A systematic review

de Souza Moura, A.M. , Lamego, M.K. , Paes, F. , Rocha, N.B.F. , Simões-Silva, V. , Rocha, S.A. , de Sá Filho, A.S. , et al
ISLA — Instituto Politécnico de Gestão e Tecnologia
CNS and Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets, Volume 14, Issue 9, 2015, pp. 1184–1193

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Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders observed currently. It is a normal adaptive response to stress that allows coping with adverse situations. Nevertheless, when anxiety becomes excessive or disproportional in relation to the situation that evokes it or when there is not any special object directed at it, such as an irrational dread of routine stimuli, it becomes a disabling disorder and is considered to be pathological. The traditional treatment used is medication and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, however, last years the practice of physical exercise, specifically aerobic exercise, has been investigated as a new non-pharmacological therapy for anxiety disorders. Thus, the aim of this article was to provide information on research results and key chains related to the therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise compared with other types of interventions to treat anxiety, which may become a useful clinical application in a near future. Researches have shown the effectiveness of alternative treatments, such as physical exercise, minimizing high financial costs and minimizing side effects. The sample analyzed, 66.8% was composed of women and 80% with severity of symptoms anxiety as moderate to severe. The data analyzed in this review allows us to claim that alternative therapies like exercise are effective in controlling and reducing symptoms, as 91% of anxiety disorders surveys have shown effective results in treating. However, there is still disagreement regarding the effect of exercise compared to the use of antidepressant symptoms and cognitive function in anxiety, this suggests that there is no consensus on the correct intensity of aerobic exercise as to achieve the best dose-response, with intensities high to moderate or moderate to mild.

Keywords

#aerobic exercise #anxiety disorders #non-pharmacological treatment #exercise therapy #antidepressant comparison #cognitive function #exercise intensity #dose-response relationship #symptom relief #anxiety #Cognition #Psychological intervention #Clinical psychology

Bibliographic Details

Publication Type Journal article
Publication Year 2015
Journal / Conference / Work CNS and Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
ISSN 19963181 18715273
Volume / Issue Vol. 14 (9)
Pagination pp. 1184–1193

ISLA Authors & Affiliations

A
Ana Cláudia Moreira Rodrigues
anarodrigues@iscap.ipp.pt ID: 9A13-EB92-244B
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J
José Duarte da Rocha Santos
jdsantos.net@gmail.com ID: 811F-A8A7-0016
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S
Susana Maria de Almeida Correia Aguiar Rocha
srocha@iscap.ipp.pt ID: 1611-C612-F1F0
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