Mental Health and PA

Question 1

What does depression and anxiety cost the global economy?

Answer 1

$1 trillion

Question 2

What is the correlation between physical activity and depression?

Answer 2

Negative correlation - higher depression was linked to lower exercise

Question 3

Common limitations with depression studies

Answer 3

Not all patients are clinically diagnosed

Question 4

Does exercise work as a treatment for depression?

Answer 4

All studies indicate PA is a useful treatment for depression

Question 5

What are the psychological mechanisms with PA and depression?

Answer 5

 Positive social interactions
 Increases in self-esteem through task mastery/achieving goals
 Time out (distraction) hypothesis – provide something else to do

Question 6

What are the physiological mechanisms of PA and depression?

Answer 6

 Endorphin hypothesis - runner high 87%vo2max
 Seratonin hypothesis – increasing serotonin
 Changes in cortisol regulation – helps regulate the secretion of cortisol

Question 7

What is the placebo hypothesis?

Answer 7

Medications, PA and CBT work through a placebo affect.