Common mood and anxiety states: gender differences in the protective effect of physical activity

Background: We wished to examine the impact of the duration and intensity o f physical activity on common anxiety and depressive states. Method: A nest ed case-control design was applied to data from the Health and Lifestyle Su rvey. Anxiety and depressive states were measured by caseness on the Genera l Health Questionnaire. Physical activity variables were defined from a det ailed activity schedule. Results: After adjustment for potential confounder s, the findings suggest that compared to men who reported 0-44 min of daily physical activity, there is benefit to men who exercise for at least 92 mi n a day (92-161 min a day: OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.37-0.87, P < 0.01; 162-554 min a day: OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.43-0.97, P < 0.05), but not to women. The protective effect does not appear to vary according to the intensity of ac tivity in men or women. Conclusions: Physical activity of long duration amo ngst men confers protection against common mood and anxiety states. This st udy found no such protection for women.