Amsterdam Dam: A study has revealed that running is as effective as anti-depressant medication in improving mental health.
Researchers at the University of Verge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, studied 141 people with depression, anxiety, or both. In the study, these individuals were offered two types of treatment (i.e., running or medication) over a 16-week period. Of these, 45 individuals decided to take antidepressant medication, while 96 individuals decided to be part of a running group.
Patients who chose to jog reported less depression and anxiety than those taking medication after 16 weeks. They also saw benefits in blood pressure and cardiovascular performance, including a reduction in weight and waist measurement.
On the other hand, those who were treated with drugs showed a deterioration in their metabolic indices.
At the end of the study, a total of 44 percent of people in both groups reported improvements in depression and anxiety. However, the running group reported improvements in physical health along with mental health, while the group using antidepressants reported worsening physical health.
A study presented at a conference in Barcelona, Spain, found that 52 percent of the running group stuck to their schedule, compared to 82 percent of the medication group. Followed.
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