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 .
Efficacy of Tai Chi, brisk walking, meditation, and reading in reducing mental and emotional stress.
Tai Chi , a moving meditation , is examined for its efficacy in post-stressor recovery . Forty-eight male and 48 female Tai Chi practitioners were r and omly assigned to four treatment groups : Tai Chi , brisk walking , mediation and neutral reading . Mental arithmetic and other difficult tests were chosen as mental challenges , and a stressful film was used to produce emotional disturbance . Tai Chi and the other treatments were applied after these stressors . After all treatments , the salivary cortisol level dropped significantly , and the mood states were also improved . In general the stress-reduction effect of Tai Chi characterized moderate physical exercise . Heart rate , blood pressure , and urinary catecholamine changes for Tai Chi were found to be similar to those for walking at a speed of 6 km/hr . Although Tai Chi appeared to be superior to neutral reading in the reduction of state anxiety and the enhancement of vigour , this effect could be partially accounted for by the subjects ' high expectations about gains from Tai Chi . Approaches controlling for expectancy level are recommended for further assessment
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 .