Study Shows that Exercise Regimens Can Help Reduce Student Anxiety

         With anxiety and depression on the rise teenagers, exercise has been found to act as a form of treatment for sufferers, with no significant differences in effectivity due to genders and types of exercise.
          In a study conducted, 54 male and female students were identified with high BDI scores (14-40) - BDI or Beck Depression Inventory is a self reporting survey that looks for the presence and the severity of symptoms of depression. The students were placed into two groups, separated by gender, of two forms of exercise - handball and a more intense physical regimen for 12 weeks.
        Students were tested before and after for anxiety using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (SSTAI) which, similar to the BDI, is a self reporting inventory for identification of symptoms of anxiety. A higher score indicates greater anxiety. Anxiety is characterized as an unpleasant mood, caused by thoughts of worry and fear. It is often seen in conjunction with depression, although this isn't always.