New Research Suggests Physical Exercise has ‘Little’ Mental Benefit.

Physical exercise has long been touted as an effective way to improve mental health. However, a new study published in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science has found that the mental benefits of exercise may not be as significant as previously thought.

The study reviewed over 1,800 research papers on the relationship between physical exercise and mental health. The researchers found that while exercise can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, the effects are relatively small.



According to the study, the average effect of exercise on mood was only slightly greater than the effect of a placebo. The researchers also found that the benefits of exercise were more pronounced in people with clinical levels of depression or anxiety.

The study’s lead author, Professor Joseph Firth from Western Sydney University, said the findings challenge the widespread belief that exercise is a panacea for mental health problems.

Firth noted that while the effects of exercise on mental health may be small, they should not be dismissed entirely. He said exercise should still be considered a useful tool for improving mental health, especially when used in combination with other treatments such as medication and psychotherapy.

The study’s findings have implications for the treatment of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Firth said it was important for clinicians to consider exercise as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but not to rely on it as a sole intervention.

“It’s important to understand that exercise is not a silver bullet for mental health problems. It should be used in conjunction with other treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients,” he said.

The study’s authors also called for further research into the mechanisms behind the effects of exercise on mental health. While the study found that exercise had a small effect on mood, it was unclear why this was the case.

Despite the study’s findings, there is still evidence to suggest that exercise can have a positive impact on mental health. A review of 23 studies published in the journal BMC Psychiatry in 2018 found that exercise was effective in reducing symptoms of depression, although the effect size was small.

Other research has suggested that exercise can help to reduce stress and improve cognitive function, although the evidence in these areas is mixed.

It’s important to note that exercise has many benefits for physical health, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Regular exercise can also help to improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and increase overall wellbeing.

In conclusion, the new study suggests that while exercise can have a positive impact on mental health, the effects may be smaller than previously thought. Exercise should be considered a complementary therapy for mental health disorders rather than a replacement for other forms of treatment. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind the effects of exercise on mental health and to develop more targeted and effective treatments.