Summary of exercise recommendations for major psychiatric disorders.
| Population | Exercise intervention | EB | Key considerations | Reported/potential effects | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDD | Moderate-intensity aerobic training, resistance training, or combined programs (~3–5 sessions/week, 8–12 weeks; supervised when possible) | RCTs, SRs, MAs | Strong heterogeneity in protocols; best outcomes with structured and supervised programs; gradual progression recommended in severe depression | Reduces depressive symptoms, improves anhedonia, cognitive function, stress resilience, and relapse prevention | [72–79] |
| Anxiety disorders | Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (acute and long-term), low–moderate resistance training | RCTs, SRs, MAs | Avoid excessive intensity in highly sensitive patients; monitor physiological arousal and panic-related symptoms | Reduces anxiety symptoms, autonomic reactivity, and anxiety sensitivity; improves stress tolerance | [80–84] |
| BD | Low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise and resistance training (structured, closely monitored) | SRs | Risk of mood destabilization with excessive or poorly regulated intensity; requires clinical monitoring and individual tailoring | May reduce depressive symptoms, improve sleep, functioning, and physical health | [85–87] |
| Schizophrenia spectrum disorders | Structured aerobic and resistance training (often supervised, group-based or combined with behavioral interventions; ~90 min/week moderate–vigorous activity) | RCTs, SRs, MAs | Low motivation, cognitive deficits, and social withdrawal may limit adherence; supervision improves engagement | Improves negative symptoms, cognition, functional outcomes, motivation; benefits cardiometabolic health | [88–94] |
| PTSD | Aerobic exercise, resistance training, and mind–body interventions (e.g., yoga, and tai chi) | RCTs, SRs | Should be integrated with trauma-focused psychotherapy; monitor somatic and emotional reactivity | Reduces hyperarousal, depressive symptoms, and PTSD severity; improves emotion regulation and resilience | [92, 95] |
The main benefits are based on evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses [72–95]. Precautions reflect clinical guidance and considerations for safe implementation. EB: evidence base (study type); Ref.: key-reference; MDD: major depressive disorder; RCTs: randomized controlled trials; SRs: systematic reviews; MAs: meta-analyses; BD: bipolar disorder; PTSD: post-traumatic stress disorders.
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