with society’s increased focus on mental health , the role exercise plays in protecting against and treating depression is gaining more attention.
this is especially true since the start of the covid-19 pandemic , as canadians became even more isolated from their normal social circles and exercise routines.
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motivated by this gap in knowledge, a team from the research school in psychology at the australian national university reviewed data compiled from two distinct groups: 4,549 older adults in england and another sample of 635 adults living in australia. both groups indicated they were part of a sport club, gym or exercise group as well revealing how many times per week they participated in mild, moderate and vigorous exercise. they also reported how often they felt lonely, isolated, left out and sad. the researchers explored another interesting dynamic, related to what happens when participation in group exercise is suspended.
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