Therapeutic exercise is associated with dose-dependent reductions in acute anxiety across psychiatric diagnoses
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By
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March 18, 2026
Objective:
To examine the association between participation in therapeutic exercise and short-term changes in self-reported anxiety among psychiatric patients.
Key Findings:
- Self-reported anxiety scores significantly decreased post-exercise (median pre = 3; median post = 2; Wilcoxon P < 0.001).
- 81% of patients reported improvement in anxiety levels.
- Greater participation in exercise sessions correlated with larger decreases in anxiety (Spearman ρ = −0.63 to −0.66, all P < 0.001).
- Anxiety reductions were consistent across sex, diagnosis, and age.
Interpretation:
Participation in therapeutic exercise is associated with rapid reductions in self-reported anxiety across various psychiatric conditions, suggesting a potential transdiagnostic benefit.
Limitations:
- Lack of a control group limits causal inference.
- Use of a symptom questionnaire in a session-based format may affect results.
Conclusion:
Therapeutic exercise may serve as a rapid adjunctive strategy for anxiety reduction in psychiatric care, warranting further controlled trials to explore its efficacy.
