CLINICAL EFFICACY AND ADVERSE EFFECTS OF AEROBIC EXERCISE ON ANXIETY DISORDERS

Wiktor Zawadziński; Karolina Szamocka; Tomasz Kuliński; Kinga Mehal; Weronika Martyna Pielich; Michalina Bąk; Natalia  Balicka-Dworczak; Natalia Siusta; Karolina Stróżyk; Kamil Malinowski

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6021

Authors

Wiktor Zawadziński Independent Provincial Combined Hospital in Szczecin, 4 Arkońska Street, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4560-7650
Karolina Szamocka University Clinical Hospital in Poznań, 49 Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1291-8626
Tomasz Kuliński Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 11 Aleksandra Fredry Street, 61-701 Poznań, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5158-1402
Kinga Mehal T. Marciniak Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital, Fieldorfa 2 Street , 54-049 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5216-964X
Weronika Martyna Pielich University Clinical Hospital in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5901-0980
Michalina Bąk T. Marciniak Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital, Fieldorfa 2 Street , 54-049 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0336-8341
Natalia Balicka-Dworczak University Clinical Hospital in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9742-7454
Natalia Siusta University Clinical Hospital in Szczecin, Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2466-0917
Karolina Stróżyk Health Care Complex in Ostrów Wielkopolski, Limanowskiego 20-22, 63-400 Ostrów Wielkopolski, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1545-9652
Kamil Malinowski Śniadeckiego Voivodeship Hospital in Białystok, Białystok, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0531-2069

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6021

Keywords:

Anxiety Disorders, Aerobic Exercise, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Abstract

Introduction: The number of people diagnosed with anxiety disorders is steadily rising, both in Europe and worldwide. This is serious problem, as these disorders significantly impar daily functioning and reduce quality of life. The ability to manage anxiety is crucial for healthy functioning in society. A growing body of research indicates that regular aerobic exercise can be an effective tool for reducing anxiety symptoms.

Aim: The aim of this study is to review the literature on anxiety disorders, their pathophysiology, and complications, and to describe the mechanisms by which aerobic exercise influences their development.

Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database was conducted using key search terms.

Conclusions: Aerobic exercise may be effective treatment for anxiety. It can enhance the effects of medication, but the evidence is still limited. Larger studies, improved methodology and longer-term follow-up of patient groups are needed. Exercise works better than rest. In healthy individuals, as well as those who have experienced trauma or have PTSD, a short session of aerobic exercise reduced anxiety and fear more effectively than lying down and resting. Even a small amount of physical activity helps reduce anxiety disorders.

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