This cohort study investigated the interplay between social isolation, physical activity, and affective well-being. Using accelerometry, electronic diaries, and neuroimaging in 317 young adults, the study found that physical activity compensated for the negative affective consequences of lacking social contact. This effect was observed even at low activity levels and was more pronounced in individuals with higher default mode network (DMN) connectivity, a risk factor for depression. The social-affective benefits of physical activity were replicated during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings suggest that physical activity can be a protective strategy against the negative effects of social isolation.
Publisher
Nature Mental Health
Published On
Mar 01, 2024
Authors
Anastasia Benedyk, Markus Reichert, Marco Giurgiu, Irina Timm, Iris Reinhard, Carina Nigg, Oksana Berhe, Alexander Moldavski, Christoph von der Goltz, Urs Braun, Ulrich Ebner-Priemer, Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, Heike Tost
Tags
social isolation
physical activity
affective well-being
default mode network
COVID-19
young adults
mental health
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