Exploring the Impact of Exercise Variability of Mental Health: Results From the 2024 US National Health and Wellness Survey
Author(s)
Jacob Matta, MPH, Sheila Drakeley, MPH, Kathy Annunziata, MA;
Oracle Life Science, Austin, TX, USA
Oracle Life Science, Austin, TX, USA
Presentation Documents
OBJECTIVES: Mental health conditions often impact individuals’ daily activities, including exercise habits. We assessed the association between exercise frequency, type, and intensity and the influence these had on mental health outcomes in adults diagnosed with anxiety and depression compared to the general population.
METHODS: Data from the 2024 US National Health and Wellness Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative, general population survey, were used. Participants are adults (aged ≥18 years), recruited using general population panels; using a quota sampling technique. Participants self-reported being diagnosed by a healthcare provider with anxiety or depression (AD Cohort). Patient reported outcomes included the RAND-36 mental health composite (MHC) score. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were conducted separately for those with anxiety or depression and the general population. Linear regression results were controlled for age, sex, race, education, employment, annual household income, insurance type, BMI, and CCI.
RESULTS: Among the AD Cohort, 65.1% were female, 38.4% were aged 25-44; 77.0% were White, and 38.3% had a BMI of ≥30. Roughly half (57.3%) reported exercising 0-5 days in the last 30 days with 26.5% a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises; 45.6% at a low intensity. The AD Cohort had significantly higher MHC scores when they exercised 16+ days/month (3.92 points higher, 95% CI: 3.51-4.33, p < 0.001), exercised at high intensity (4.43 points higher, 95% CI: 3.56-5.30, p < 0.001), or performed both cardio and strength training (4.34 points higher, 95% CI: 3.74-4.94, p < 0.001), compared to respective reference groups.
CONCLUSIONS: An increase in exercise frequency and higher intensity exercises had a larger positive effect on individuals with depression or anxiety. Participants who reported participating in cardio exercises had a larger positive effect. Generally, the AD Cohort saw a larger effect size compared to the general population regardless of frequency, intensity, or type.
METHODS: Data from the 2024 US National Health and Wellness Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative, general population survey, were used. Participants are adults (aged ≥18 years), recruited using general population panels; using a quota sampling technique. Participants self-reported being diagnosed by a healthcare provider with anxiety or depression (AD Cohort). Patient reported outcomes included the RAND-36 mental health composite (MHC) score. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were conducted separately for those with anxiety or depression and the general population. Linear regression results were controlled for age, sex, race, education, employment, annual household income, insurance type, BMI, and CCI.
RESULTS: Among the AD Cohort, 65.1% were female, 38.4% were aged 25-44; 77.0% were White, and 38.3% had a BMI of ≥30. Roughly half (57.3%) reported exercising 0-5 days in the last 30 days with 26.5% a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises; 45.6% at a low intensity. The AD Cohort had significantly higher MHC scores when they exercised 16+ days/month (3.92 points higher, 95% CI: 3.51-4.33, p < 0.001), exercised at high intensity (4.43 points higher, 95% CI: 3.56-5.30, p < 0.001), or performed both cardio and strength training (4.34 points higher, 95% CI: 3.74-4.94, p < 0.001), compared to respective reference groups.
CONCLUSIONS: An increase in exercise frequency and higher intensity exercises had a larger positive effect on individuals with depression or anxiety. Participants who reported participating in cardio exercises had a larger positive effect. Generally, the AD Cohort saw a larger effect size compared to the general population regardless of frequency, intensity, or type.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
PCR200
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
SDC: Mental Health (including addition), SDC: Neurological Disorders