Researchers said the findings, published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, provided further evidence that physical activity is good for mental health.
However, high-intensity exercise can “exacerbate stress-related responses,” the researchers added.
Lead author Lee Smith, Professor of Public Health at Anglia Ruskin University, said: 'Effectively preventing mental health complications is emerging as a major challenge and one of the most important areas in public health. “It's happening,” he said.
“These symptoms can be complex and may require a multifaceted treatment approach, including pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
“These effects of physical activity intensity on depression highlight the need for precise exercise guidelines.”
The study looked at data from more than 4 million people to assess the link between physical activity, such as gardening, and depression.
They looked at more than 95,000 people to find out the link between exercise and mental health issues such as anxiety, psychosis and schizophrenia.
These results were found to be consistent across men and women of different age groups.
Professor Smith added: “While moderate exercise may improve mental health through biochemical reactions, high-intensity exercise may worsen stress-related responses in some people.”
“Recognizing the differences in how people respond to exercise is essential for effective mental health strategies and suggests that recommended activities should be tailored to the individual.
“The fact that even low to moderate physical activity can be beneficial to mental health is particularly important, because these levels of activity allow you to make small changes to your lifestyle without feeling the need to do high exercise. Because it may be more achievable for people who are able to do a high-intensity exercise program. ”
