Walk it out: acute treadmill walking reduces state anxiety and improves mood in people with multiple sclerosis who have analogue generalized anxiety disorder.
Petra Šilić, Robert W Motl
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In 30 seconds
This randomized, counterbalanced crossover experiment assessed whether a single bout of moderate-intensity treadmill walking affected anxiety and mood in people with multiple sclerosis prescreened for analogue generalized anxiety disorder. Participants completed 20 minutes of walking and seated quiet rest, with state anxiety and mood measured before, immediately after, and 20 minutes after each condition. Anxiety showed a significant condition-by-time interaction (F(2,34) = 5.96, p = .006, η² = .26); scores fell after walking, with no change after rest. Overall mood also improved after walking but not rest.
Key findings
- State anxiety showed a significant condition-by-time interaction: F(2,34) = 5.96, p = .006, η² = .26.
- Anxiety scores decreased immediately after walking (d = 1.00) and 20 minutes later (d = .75), with no change after seated rest.
- Overall Profile of Mood States scores improved after walking but not after seated rest.
Why it matters
Anxiety in multiple sclerosis is described as prevalent and poorly managed. These experimental findings suggest that a brief bout of moderate-intensity walking can produce short-term improvements in state anxiety and mood in people with MS and analogue GAD, supporting further study of exercise as a potential management approach.
What to keep in mind
The study examined acute responses to a single exercise bout, so it does not establish whether repeated exercise provides sustained benefit or treats diagnosed GAD.