Association of physical exercise on anxiety and depression amongst adults

ABSTRACT

This study was done to determine the frequency of anxiety, depression among those who exercise regularly and those who do not. A cross-sectional study was conducted at different gymnasiums of Karachi in July-August 2013. A total 269 individual's ages were 18 - 45 years completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess the data using simple descriptive statistics. One hundred and thirty four individuals were those who did not perform exercise which included females [55.0%] being more frequently anxious than male [46.4%]. Females [39.9%] were more frequently depressed as compared to males [26.4%] less depressed. Chi-square test showed association between anxiety levels and exercise was significantly increased in non-exercisers compared to regular exercisers found to be significant [p=0.015]. Individuals who performed regular exercise had a lower frequency of depression [28.9%] than non-exercisers [41.8%]. Physical exercise was significantly associated with lower anxiety and depression frequency amongst the studied adult population