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Published on: March 7, 2019
The association between weekend warrior physical activity pattern and anxiety: evidence from a U.S. population-based
Zihao Chen1, Jiahao Xin2, Junqiang Jia3
1College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, NO.196 Huayang west Road, Hanjiang district, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu province, China. zihaochennj@qq.com.
Engaging in the Weekend Warrior (WW) physical activity pattern is linked to a reduced risk of anxiety. This exercise approach offers a practical way to manage anxiety, especially for those with busy weekday schedules.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Limited time for regular exercise is a common barrier to physical activity.
- The Weekend Warrior (WW) pattern, characterized by concentrated physical activity on one or two days, is a popular exercise strategy.
- Understanding the association between different physical activity patterns and mental health outcomes like anxiety is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the Weekend Warrior (WW) physical activity pattern and the risk of anxiety among American adults.
- To provide insights into flexible exercise strategies for individuals with time constraints for weekday physical activity.
- To explore potential effect modifications in subgroups based on socioeconomic and health status.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007-2012.
- Utilized multivariate logistic regression, subgroup interaction analyses, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis.
- Conducted sensitivity analyses to confirm the robustness of the findings regarding physical activity patterns and anxiety risk.
Main Results:
- The Weekend Warrior (WW) pattern was significantly associated with a lower risk of anxiety compared to being inactive (OR = 0.65).
- Insufficiently active (OR = 0.71) and regularly active (OR = 0.75) patterns also showed significantly lower anxiety risks.
- Significant effect modification was observed in poverty income ratio (PIR) and diabetes subgroups, indicating varied impacts of physical activity on anxiety risk.
Conclusions:
- The Weekend Warrior (WW) physical activity pattern is a viable strategy for reducing anxiety risk.
- This pattern offers a practical alternative for individuals unable to engage in consistent weekday exercise.
- The WW pattern may be particularly beneficial for reducing anxiety among individuals with lower income levels or diabetes.
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