A synthesis of evidence from 1,600 scientific journals found that 89 percent of studies reported a significant positive relationship between exercise and mental health, according to a report published by the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation on Aug. 30.
The "Move Your Mental Health" report used findings from studies published from 1990 to 2022.
"The new mental health care needs to recognize that a holistic approach is not only necessary, but will be cost-saving and lifesaving," Cassandra Vieten, MD, PhD, clinical psychologist and executive director of the John W. Brick foundation, said in an Aug. 30 news release from the organization.
Three to five 30- to 45-minute sessions of moderate to vigorous physical activity showed the biggest effect on mental health, according to the report.