Those who stop exercising can increase depression

When people stop exercising, depressive symptoms increase

Sport is healthy for body and mind - there was a lot of truth in that statement. Researchers have now discovered that people who stop exercising are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide found in their recent research that stopping sports activities can lead to us developing depressive symptoms. The experts published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Journal of Affective Disorders".

When people stop exercising, it increases the likelihood of developing symptoms of depression in a very short time. (Image: Paolese / fotolia.com)

Exercise is important for physical and mental health

"Sufficient physical activity and exercise are important to physical and mental health," explains Julie Morgan of the University of Adelaide. For their research, the researchers reviewed the results of previous studies that examined the effects of regularly stopping active adults from engaging in sports activities.

How much sport activity per week is recommended?

The current public health guidelines recommend that people should be physically active at least on most days of the week, if possible even on all days. At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week are recommended by experts to maintain good health and prevent depression. 75 minutes of intensive training can bring additional health benefits, add the physicians.

Regular exercise can reduce depression

"Extensive clinical evidence shows that regular training can reduce and treat depression. However, there is little research into what happens when the training ends, "adds Julie Morgan in a press release.

152 subjects were examined closely

In the studies reviewed, the completion of physical activity in 152 adults was further investigated. The participants had each trained for at least 30 minutes three times a week for a period of three months. "In some cases, stopping this exercise resulted in significant increases in depressive symptoms in just three days," says Professor Bernhard Baune, psychiatrist at the University of Adelaide. Other studies have shown that people's depressive symptoms increased after the first one to two weeks, which is still very fast after stopping the exercises. Depressive symptoms resulting from the termination of exercise occur in the absence of the typical biological markers commonly associated with depressive symptoms, Professor Baune further explains.

Additional research is needed

The lack of research in this particular area points to the need for further studies. In the future, it could be better understood how the cessation of sports activities influences depressive symptoms. Unfortunately, the number of subjects studied in the study was relatively low, so the results should be reviewed by larger studies, adds Professor Baune. For now, it is important that people understand the potential impact of physical activity on their psychological well-being - even the consequences, if they suddenly stop moving regularly or to do sports, explains the expert. (As)