Physical activity and mental health in patients with multimorbidity
Schmidt et al.
Published March 2025
This study looked at how exercise can help with depression and anxiety in adults who have two or more long-term health conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. The study used data from the REACH Program. Adults wore devices to measure their movement and filled out surveys about their mood.
The study found that people with multiple health problems were more likely to feel anxious, while just 1 hour a week of exercise, like brisk walking, helped to reduce anxiety. Light physical activity, such as slow walking, helped improve mood and lower depression among people with one or more health problems. Light physical activity also lowered anxiety among people with none or just one health problem. Adults who already got the recommended amount of exercise had lower rates of depression and anxiety overall.
The takeaway: Even a little bit of movement can help to improve mood and mental health among people with multiple long-term health problems.