Implications for practice and research

• The burden of anxiety disorders and symptoms can potentially be reduced by increasing physical activity at the population level.

• More studies require using prospective designs and rigorous measures for assessing anxiety and dosing of physical activity.

Context

Anxiety is a debilitating1 and costly chronic illness.2 Pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders and symptoms can be challenging with side effects and expensive for many,3 which makes prevention strategies critical. Physical activity has been previously shown to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.4 Whether physical activity may be effective in preventing anxiety has not yet been previously investigated, presenting a knowledge gap and …