[Physical training in the treatment of psychological disorders]

Numerous studies in healthy volunteers have demonstrated positive psychological effects of regular aerobic exercise, such as reduction of anxiety or depressive symptoms, in crease of self-esteem and improved stress management. There is also solid evidence that regular exercise is associated with therapeutic effects in psychiatric patients suffering from depressive and possibly other psychiatric disorders. The present article reviews the relevant literature and summarizes neurobiological effects of exercise, which might play a role in the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise. For instance, there is experimental evidence that regular exercise induces a downregulation of certain central serotonergic receptors, which play an important role in the pathogenesis of anxiety and depression. The last part of the article focuses on the practical aspects of how exercise programs can be utilized in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.