El confinamiento, que ha motivado disminución de la actividad física en la población, ha causado un aumento de problemas psicológicos.
Ha habido un aumento significativo de depresión y ansiedad, incluyendo ataques de pánico, llegando casi a un 20% en general.
España lidera el consumo de medicamentos antidepresivos y ansiolíticos en los países de la OCDE (Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económico).
En Baleares, el sedentarismo alcanza casi al 60% de la población entre 18 y 65 años. El sedentarismo está asociado con depresión y ansiedad.
El ejercicio físico es una intervención que ayuda a tener una mejor salud mental y alivia la intensidad de los síntomas de la depresión y de la ansiedad.
Estar físicamente activo atenúa los efectos de la pandemia sobre la salud mental, lo cual ha sido demostrado en numerosos estudios.
También tener una buena condición física (aptitud cardiorrespiratoria, VO2máx) disminuye los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión, además de aumentar el volumen del cerebro, tanto en adultos como niños.
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