Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .
Chronic psychological effects of exercise and exercise plus cognitive strategies.
Psychological changes associated with 16-wk moderate and low intensity exercise training programs , two of which possessed a cognitive component , were evaluated . Subjects were healthy , sedentary adults , 69 women ( mean age = 54.8 + /- 8.3 yr ) and 66 men ( mean age = 50.6 + /- 8.0 yr ) . Participants were r and omly assigned to a control group ( C ) , moderate intensity walking group ( MW ) , low intensity walking group ( LW ) , low intensity walking plus relaxation response group ( LWR ) , or mindful exercise ( ME ) group-a Tai Chi type program . Women in the ME group experienced reductions in mood disturbance ( tension , P < 0.01 ; depression , P < 0.05 ; anger , P < 0.008 ; confusion , P < 0.02 ; and total mood disturbance , P < 0.006 ) and an improvement in general mood ( P < 0.04 ) . Women in the MW group noted greater satisfaction with physical attributes ( body cathexis , P < 0.03 ) , and men in MW reported increased positive affect ( P < 0.006 ) . No other differences were observed between groups on measures of mood , self-esteem , personality , or life satisfaction . Equivocal support is provided for the hypothesis that exercise plus cognitive strategy training programs are more effective than exercise programs lacking a structured cognitive component in promoting psychological benefits
Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .