Mechanisms of exercise against anxiety disorder: A review of the research progress

Current research widely supports exercise as a safe and effective intervention for anxiety. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training have shown significant anxiety-reducing effects across various populations. The mechanisms of action can be categorized into three main types: cellular and molecular mechanisms, systemic immune effects, and behavioral and cognitive pathways. Different forms of exercise have distinct advantages: aerobic exercise is suitable for the general population, resistance training is beneficial for individuals with coexisting physical conditions, and low-intensity exercises such as yoga and Tai Chi are suitable for pregnant women, the elderly, or postoperative recovery patients. Given its good safety profile and broad applicability, moderate exercise should be considered a first-line treatment for mild anxiety and an adjunctive intervention for moderate to severe anxiety. Future research should further clarify the mechanistic differences between various exercise modalities and promote the development of individualized exercise prescriptions.