In a recent study published online in the March issue of Mental Health and Physical Activity, researchers from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom have identified the positive effects of interventions that integrate physical activity with mindfulness for the improvement of mental health and overall well-being.
Led by Masha Remskar and her colleagues, the study involved a systematic literature review to assess the impact of interventions combining physical activity and mindfulness on mental health outcomes. The review, which included 35 studies, revealed that a majority of these studies employed pilot or feasibility designs (19 studies, 54 percent) or featured small sample sizes.
The findings indicated that, in comparison to passive controls, interventions combining physical activity and mindfulness were not only feasible to implement but also demonstrated improvements in psychological health. Across 33 outcome comparisons reported in various trials, the combined interventions consistently showcased positive effects.
However, when compared with active controls, the impact on psychological health outcomes varied. Out of 38 comparisons, 12 favored the combined approach over physical activity alone, while five out of 18 favored the combined approach over mindfulness alone.
The authors of the study acknowledge that research into the combined impact of physical activity and mindfulness is still in its early stages. Despite this, they emphasize that the evidence gathered so far holds promise. The interventions were found to be practical to administer and evaluate, with high adherence rates, and they pointed toward favorable psychological health outcomes.
As interest in holistic approaches to mental health continues to grow, this study contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of combining physical activity and mindfulness for enhanced well-being. The researchers anticipate that further exploration of these interventions will provide a deeper understanding of their long-term effects and broader applicability.
