The Effect of Walking Exercise on Depressive Symptoms : A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Depression is a common mental disorder. It is managed by anti-depressant drugs, psychotherapy sessions or both. Physical activity may improve depressive symptoms. Objectives: We aim in this study to know the effect of walking on depression and depressive symptoms and the relationship between walking and depression among Arabic population. Materials and method: an online cross-sectional survey, written in Arabic language targeting both males and females’ living in Saudi Arabia from age 18 and above, we used the Major depressive disorder criteria according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to assess depression with other questions about physical activity (30 minutes or more per session in last twelve months). Result: 870 participants, 51.7% female and 48.3% male. Of the total participants 43.2% are not walking regularly and 56.8% are walking on regular basis. Of total 63.8% are not depressed, while 11.6% are suffering from depressive symptoms and 24.6% are suffering from Major depressive disorder. In the group who are not depressed 22.5% are not walking and 77.5% are walking regularly. Among those who walks, 18.8% are walking once per week, 18.1% are walking twice per week, and 63% are walking three times or more per week. In the group who are having depressive symptoms 77.2% are not walking regularly while 22.8% are walking regularly 3 times or more per week, In the group who are suffering from major depressive disorder 80.8% are not walking and 19.2% are walking regularly. Among those who walks, 61% are walking once per week, 36.6% are walking twice per week, and 2.4% are walking three times or more per week. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for increasing awareness of impact of physical activity in psychological well-being. Further controlled study may focus on possibility of Brain changes secondary to physical activity.