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A Scoping Review of the Relationship between Running and Mental Health

Author

Listed:
  • Freya Oswald

    (Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK)

  • Jennifer Campbell

    (Edinburgh Medical School, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK)

  • Chloë Williamson

    (Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, UK)

  • Justin Richards

    (Faculty of Health, Victoria University Wellington, Wellington 6140, New Zealand)

  • Paul Kelly

    (Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8AQ, UK)

Abstract

Poor mental health contributes significantly to global morbidity. The evidence regarding physical benefits of running are well-established. However, the mental health impacts of running remain unclear. An overview of the relationship between running and mental health has not been published in the last 30 years. The purpose of this study was to review the literature on the relationship between running and mental health. Our scoping review used combinations of running terms (e.g., Run* and Jog*) and mental health terms (general and condition specific). Databases used were Ovid(Medline), Ovid(Embase), ProQuest and SportDiscus. Quantitative study types reporting on the relationships between running and mental health were included. Database searches identified 16,401 studies; 273 full-texts were analysed with 116 studies included. Overall, studies suggest that running bouts of variable lengths and intensities, and running interventions can improve mood and mental health and that the type of running can lead to differential effects. However, lack of controls and diversity in participant demographics are limitations that need to be addressed. Cross-sectional evidence shows not only a range of associations with mental health but also some associations with adverse mental health (such as exercise addiction). This review identified extensive literature on the relationship between running and mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Freya Oswald & Jennifer Campbell & Chloë Williamson & Justin Richards & Paul Kelly, 2020. "A Scoping Review of the Relationship between Running and Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-39, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:8059-:d:438661
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Christina M. Blackmon & Larry A. Tucker & Bruce W. Bailey & Lance E. Davidson, 2023. "Time Spent Jogging/Running and Biological Aging in 4458 U.S. Adults: An NHANES Investigation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(19), pages 1-13, October.
    2. Christy Teranishi Martinez & Crista Scott Tappan & Harley Baker & Makayla Edwards & Juliane Martinez, 2023. "Sexual Harassment and Assault across Trail and Ultrarunning Communities: A Mixed-Method Study Exploring Gender Differences," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Allison Dunne & Steve Haake & Helen Quirk & Alice Bullas, 2021. "Motivation to Improve Mental Wellbeing via Community Physical Activity Initiatives and the Associated Impacts—A Cross-Sectional Survey of UK parkrun Participants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Nadine Schuurman & Leah Rosenkrantz & Scott A. Lear, 2021. "Environmental Preferences and Concerns of Recreational Road Runners," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-19, June.
    5. Nannan Zhang & Fengxin Sun & Yongsheng Zhu & Qinglan Zheng & Changjun Jia & Yupeng Mao & Bing Liu, 2023. "Effects of Fitness Dance and Funny Running on Anxiety of Female Ph.D. Candidates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-11, January.

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