Short but intense physical exercises may reduce panic attack symptoms more effectively than traditional relaxation techniques. Brazilian researchers have come to this conclusion.
Elchi.az reports that the research was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry (FP).
Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear with no clear cause. The number of people who experience at least one such episode in their lifetime is approximately 10%, but in 2–3% of the population, attacks occur so frequently and severely that panic disorder develops. The traditional treatment method is considered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and is sometimes used in conjunction with antidepressants.
One of the main elements of CBT is interoceptive exposure. During this process, the patient is familiarized with the bodily sensations characteristic of a panic attack—rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating—to show that the symptoms themselves are safe.
Usually, such exposure is carried out in a psychotherapist’s office through artificial exercises—hyperventilation or spinning in a chair. However, new work has shown that a more “real” and intense option gives better results.
“We have shown that a 12-week program of short, intense interval training can be used as an interoceptive exposure strategy in the treatment of patients with panic disorder,” said Ricardo William Muotri, head of the research and professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo.
The study involved 102 adults diagnosed with panic disorder. For 12 weeks, they performed either an intense interval training program or standard relaxation therapy used in CBT three times a week. Participants were not prescribed medication.
The experimental group performed short, high-intensity runs and active recovery periods, while the control group performed alternating muscle tension and relaxation exercises. All participants wore biometry sensors, and the results were evaluated by a psychiatrist who was unaware of which group the participant belonged to.
Both methods led to a reduction in symptoms, but the intense exercise group showed better results. Panic and agoraphobia scores decreased more in these patients, and the frequency and severity of panic attacks decreased. The positive effect lasted for at least six months.
The authors note that participants enjoyed physical exercise more, which increases adherence to therapy.
“Short, intense exercises are a natural and inexpensive method for interoceptive exposure. They can be done outside the clinic and bring therapy closer to the patient’s daily life,” Muotri concluded.
The researchers note that this approach may be useful not only for panic disorder but also for other anxiety and depressive conditions.
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