Mental Health Benefits of Exercise Variation: Evidence From the 2024 5EU 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.
OBJECTIVES: More than 125 million people in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region live with a mental health condition. The WHO European framework for action on mental health emphasizes the importance of mental health and well-being, including the role of physical activity. 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 5EU National Health and Wellness Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative, general population survey, were used. Participants are adults (aged ≥18 years), recruited via general population panels using quota sampling. 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, employment, BMI, and CCI.
RESULTS: Among the AD Cohort, 60.4% were female, 32.3% were aged 25-44; one fourth (24.9%) had a BMI of ≥30. Over half (57.6%) reported exercising 0-5 days in the last 30 days with 25.2% only cardio and 15.9% a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises. 43.1% at a low intensity. The AD Cohort had significantly higher MHC scores when they exercised 16+ days/month (3.41 points higher, 95% CI: 2.90-3.92, p < 0.001), exercised at high intensity (3.53 points higher, 95% CI: 2.59-4.48, p < 0.001), or performed both cardio and strength training (3.57 points higher, 95% CI: 2.84-4.31, p < 0.001), compared to respective reference groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Increased frequency and higher intensity exercises were associated with greater improvement in individuals with depression or anxiety. AD Cohort exhibited a larger effect size than the general population, independent of frequency, intensity, or type.
METHODS: Data from the 2024 5EU National Health and Wellness Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative, general population survey, were used. Participants are adults (aged ≥18 years), recruited via general population panels using quota sampling. 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, employment, BMI, and CCI.
RESULTS: Among the AD Cohort, 60.4% were female, 32.3% were aged 25-44; one fourth (24.9%) had a BMI of ≥30. Over half (57.6%) reported exercising 0-5 days in the last 30 days with 25.2% only cardio and 15.9% a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility exercises. 43.1% at a low intensity. The AD Cohort had significantly higher MHC scores when they exercised 16+ days/month (3.41 points higher, 95% CI: 2.90-3.92, p < 0.001), exercised at high intensity (3.53 points higher, 95% CI: 2.59-4.48, p < 0.001), or performed both cardio and strength training (3.57 points higher, 95% CI: 2.84-4.31, p < 0.001), compared to respective reference groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Increased frequency and higher intensity exercises were associated with greater improvement in individuals with depression or anxiety. AD Cohort exhibited a larger effect size than the general population, independent of frequency, intensity, or type.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
PCR160
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
Mental Health (including addition), Neurological Disorders