SadaNews – A recent scientific study revealed that regular exercise may contribute to reducing feelings of stress, through a direct impact on the body’s biology, not just on psychological state.
According to what was published on SciTechDaily, the study, published in the journal Sport and Health Science, was based on a clinical trial considered the first of its kind, which monitored the effects of aerobic exercise on the body over the course of a full year.
The research was led by a team from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, focusing on studying the effects of adhering to physical activity recommendations, particularly performing 150 minutes weekly of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise.
The study included 130 adults, who were divided into two groups; the first adhered to a regular exercise program for a year, while the second merely received general health guidelines without changing their activity patterns.
During the study period, researchers monitored multiple indicators, most notably the level of cortisol, known as the stress hormone, alongside measurements of fitness and brain functions.
Significant Decrease in Stress Hormone
The results showed that participants who exercised regularly recorded a significant reduction in cortisol levels over the long term, compared to the other group.
Cortisol is a key element in regulating vital functions such as sleep, immunity, and memory, but chronic elevation is linked to increased risks of heart disease, metabolic disorders, and psychological conditions.
These findings are particularly significant because most previous studies relied on correlational observations, while this study was based on a long-term randomized trial, which gives it greater power in interpreting the relationship.
However, researchers point out that the results show a strong relationship between exercise and reduced stress, without asserting that it is the only influencing factor, as other factors such as lifestyle and nutrition also play a role.
The results also suggest that aerobic exercise may contribute to improved emotional regulation and possibly slow some aspects of brain aging, enhancing its role in supporting overall health.
The study confirms that commitment to regular physical activity, even at a rate of 150 minutes per week, can be a practical and direct way to reduce stress and improve quality of life. Amid increasing daily pressures, exercise appears to be a simple yet effective choice for supporting physical and psychological balance in the long term.