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Authors are the souls of any journal, and deserve much respect. To publish a journal manuscripts are needed from authors. Authors have a great responsibility for producing facts of their work in terms of number and results truthfully and an individual honesty is expected from authors in this regards. Both ways its true "No authors-No manuscripts-No journals" and "No journals–No manuscripts–No authors". Reviewing a manuscript is also a very responsible and important task of any peer-reviewed journal and to be taken seriously. It needs knowledge on the subject, sincerity, honesty and determination. Although the process of reviewing a manuscript is a time consuming task butit is expected to give one's best remarks within the time frame of the journal.
Salient features of the JCDR: It is a biomedical, multidisciplinary (including all medical and dental specialities), e-journal, with wide scope and extensive author support. At the same time, a free text of manuscript is available in HTML and PDF format. There is fast growing authorship and readership with JCDR as this can be judged by the number of articles published in it i e; in Feb 2007 of its first issue, it contained 5 articles only, and now in its recent volume published in April 2011, it contained 67 manuscripts. This e-journal is fulfilling the commitments and objectives sincerely, (as stated by Editor-in-chief in his preface to first edition) i e; to encourage physicians through the internet, especially from the developing countries who witness a spectrum of disease and acquire a wealth of knowledge to publish their experiences to benefit the medical community in patients care. I also feel that many of us have work of substance, newer ideas, adequate clinical materials but poor in medical writing and hesitation to submit the work and need help. JCDR provides authors help in this regards.
Timely publication of journal: Publication of manuscripts and bringing out the issue in time is one of the positive aspects of JCDR and is possible with strong support team in terms of peer reviewers, proof reading, language check, computer operators, etc. This is one of the great reasons for authors to submit their work with JCDR. Another best part of JCDR is "Online first Publications" facilities available for the authors. This facility not only provides the prompt publications of the manuscripts but at the same time also early availability of the manuscripts for the readers.
Indexation and online availability: Indexation transforms the journal in some sense from its local ownership to the worldwide professional community and to the public.JCDR is indexed with Embase & EMbiology, Google Scholar, Index Copernicus, Chemical Abstracts Service, Journal seek Database, Indian Science Abstracts, to name few of them. Manuscriptspublished in JCDR are available on major search engines ie; google, yahoo, msn.
In the era of fast growing newer technologies, and in computer and internet friendly environment the manuscripts preparation, submission, review, revision, etc and all can be done and checked with a click from all corer of the world, at any time. Of course there is always a scope for improvement in every field and none is perfect. To progress, one needs to identify the areas of one's weakness and to strengthen them.
It is well said that "happy beginning is half done" and it fits perfectly with JCDR. It has grown considerably and I feel it has already grown up from its infancy to adolescence, achieving the status of standard online e-journal form Indian continent since its inception in Feb 2007. This had been made possible due to the efforts and the hard work put in it. The way the JCDR is improving with every new volume, with good quality original manuscripts, makes it a quality journal for readers. I must thank and congratulate Dr Hemant Jain, Editor-in-Chief JCDR and his team for their sincere efforts, dedication, and determination for making JCDR a fast growing journal.
Every one of us: authors, reviewers, editors, and publisher are responsible for enhancing the stature of the journal. I wish for a great success for JCDR."
Thanking you
With sincere regards
Dr. Rajendra Kumar Ghritlaharey, M.S., M. Ch., FAIS
Associate Professor,
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Gandhi Medical College & Associated
Kamla Nehru & Hamidia Hospitals Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462 001 (India)
E-mail: drrajendrak1@rediffmail.com
On May 11,2011
Dr. Shankar P.R.
"On looking back through my Gmail archives after being requested by the journal to write a short editorial about my experiences of publishing with the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR), I came across an e-mail from Dr. Hemant Jain, Editor, in March 2007, which introduced the new electronic journal. The main features of the journal which were outlined in the e-mail were extensive author support, cash rewards, the peer review process, and other salient features of the journal.
Over a span of over four years, we (I and my colleagues) have published around 25 articles in the journal. In this editorial, I plan to briefly discuss my experiences of publishing with JCDR and the strengths of the journal and to finally address the areas for improvement.
My experiences of publishing with JCDR: Overall, my experiences of publishing withJCDR have been positive. The best point about the journal is that it responds to queries from the author. This may seem to be simple and not too much to ask for, but unfortunately, many journals in the subcontinent and from many developing countries do not respond or they respond with a long delay to the queries from the authors 1. The reasons could be many, including lack of optimal secretarial and other support. Another problem with many journals is the slowness of the review process. Editorial processing and peer review can take anywhere between a year to two years with some journals. Also, some journals do not keep the contributors informed about the progress of the review process. Due to the long review process, the articles can lose their relevance and topicality. A major benefit with JCDR is the timeliness and promptness of its response. In Dr Jain's e-mail which was sent to me in 2007, before the introduction of the Pre-publishing system, he had stated that he had received my submission and that he would get back to me within seven days and he did!
Most of the manuscripts are published within 3 to 4 months of their submission if they are found to be suitable after the review process. JCDR is published bimonthly and the accepted articles were usually published in the next issue. Recently, due to the increased volume of the submissions, the review process has become slower and it ?? Section can take from 4 to 6 months for the articles to be reviewed. The journal has an extensive author support system and it has recently introduced a paid expedited review process. The journal also mentions the average time for processing the manuscript under different submission systems - regular submission and expedited review.
Strengths of the journal: The journal has an online first facility in which the accepted manuscripts may be published on the website before being included in a regular issue of the journal. This cuts down the time between their acceptance and the publication. The journal is indexed in many databases, though not in PubMed. The editorial board should now take steps to index the journal in PubMed. The journal has a system of notifying readers through e-mail when a new issue is released. Also, the articles are available in both the HTML and the PDF formats. I especially like the new and colorful page format of the journal. Also, the access statistics of the articles are available. The prepublication and the manuscript tracking system are also helpful for the authors.
Areas for improvement: In certain cases, I felt that the peer review process of the manuscripts was not up to international standards and that it should be strengthened. Also, the number of manuscripts in an issue is high and it may be difficult for readers to go through all of them. The journal can consider tightening of the peer review process and increasing the quality standards for the acceptance of the manuscripts. I faced occasional problems with the online manuscript submission (Pre-publishing) system, which have to be addressed.
Overall, the publishing process with JCDR has been smooth, quick and relatively hassle free and I can recommend other authors to consider the journal as an outlet for their work."
Dr. P. Ravi Shankar
KIST Medical College, P.O. Box 14142, Kathmandu, Nepal.
E-mail: ravi.dr.shankar@gmail.com
On April 2011 Anuradha
Dear team JCDR, I would like to thank you for the very professional and polite service provided by everyone at JCDR. While i have been in the field of writing and editing for sometime, this has been my first attempt in publishing a scientific paper.Thank you for hand-holding me through the process.
Dr. Anuradha
E-mail: anuradha2nittur@gmail.com
On Jan 2020
Reviews
Full Version
Effect of Exercise on Depression, Anxiety and Mood: A Narrative Review
Correspondence Address :
Pranjali Parikshit Muley,
N-20, Sneh Nagar, Wardha Road, B/H Laxmi Narayan Hall, Nagpur-440015, Maharashtra, India.
E-mail: drpranjali11@gmail.com
In contemporary times, many individuals experiencing depression and anxiety have opted for non pharmaceutical and non traditional interventions, notably exercise, to manage their conditions. This trend is gaining popularity among those seeking alternative ways to address their mental health concerns. Regular exercise provides a lengthy list of advantages for both physical and mental well-being. It can be a pleasurable method to treat mild to moderate mental health disorders, and its effects can be both immediate and long-lasting. Despite individuals with mental health problems often being less physically active, increased Aerobic Exercise (AE) has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms. Evidence suggests a complementary relationship between regular exercise and psychological well-being, indicating that exercise can alleviate anxiety and depression while promoting a positive outlook. The underlying processes behind these effects are not fully understood. The present review summarises research on the impact of exercise on mental well-being, with a focus on its potential to alleviate depression, mood swings, and anxiety when incorporated into mental health therapy.
Aerobic exercise, Mental health, Mood swings
For a long time, exercise has been known to have various physical health benefits (1). However, recent studies have shown that movement also significantly affects mental health (2),(3),(4). Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance one’s emotional well-being, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, increase self-confidence, and improve cognitive abilities (3),(5). These effects are due to exercise increasing the production of the neurotransmitter endorphin, which acts as a natural pain reliever and mood enhancer (6). The beneficial effects of exercise on mental health are not limited to a specific type or intensity of exercise. Activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga have all been shown to improve mental health. The benefits of exercise are also not limited to a specific age group, as both young and older populations can experience its advantages (7).
According to established definitions, physical activity refers to the voluntary contraction of muscles resulting in energy expenditure above the basal metabolic rate. It involves bodily movement, which can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration, and encompasses a broad range of activities performed during daily life or structured exercise (8). Physical exercise can be described as a structured and repetitive form of physical activity undertaken with a specific purpose in mind (8).
Regular exercise can serve as an effective means to enhance the psychological well-being and overall wellness of individuals, regardless of their age or physical fitness level (8),(9),(10). Therefore, being aware of the influence of exercise on mental health can be a valuable resource for psychologists and psychiatrists in their clinical practice. This knowledge can help in preventing and treating psychiatric illnesses and promoting a higher quality of life for patients. However, exercise can also pose challenges, requiring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment methods (8),(11).
Effect of Exercise on Depression
Depression is a prevalent mental health problem [8,12]. The primary approach for depression treatment is pharmacological and psychological therapy. While these approaches can be effective, not all individuals respond to them, and there is a need for alternative strategies for prevention and treatment of depression in today’s society (11).
Exercise has proven to be a highly effective first-line therapy for mild to moderate depression, comparable to antidepressant medication (8),(13),(14). It has shown significant potential for improving depressive symptoms (8),(13). In a group of elderly individuals with depression who had not responded to six weeks of antidepressant medication alone, exercise combined with antidepressants led to significant symptom improvement (15).
Numerous studies have revealed that individuals with higher levels of physical activity show a decrease in depressive symptoms, and these findings are consistent across different countries and cultures [8,11,13]. High-intensity weight training has shown a greater impact on patients with depression compared to low-intensity weight training (8),(16). Both low-intensity weight training and attention from a family doctor have shown similar effects on depression (8),(17). Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of AE on symptoms associated with depression (18),(19),(20).
However, further research is needed to determine the specific type of exercise required for treating depression. Current research suggests that the specific type of exercise may not be as crucial as achieving a certain level of physical activity intensity (21). For example, research indicates that engaging in running or weightlifting can potentially alleviate symptoms of depression, with no significant difference between the effects of these two types of physical exercise (22),(23). Several studies have examined the relationship between physical activity and symptoms of depression, as shown in (Table/Fig 1) (15),(17),(24).
Effect of Exercise on Anxiety
In contrast to the numerous studies on the positive effects of exercise on depression, there are fewer studies on anxiety (8),(25). Exercise is considered one of the best uncomplicated and cost-effective practices for treating anxiety (25). It has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety. Research findings indicate that engaging in physical activity for 20 minutes, three times a week, at a heart rate between 70% and 90% of the maximum pulse can significantly decrease anxiety levels (26). According to a study by Cox RH et al., the most significant reduction in anxiety state was observed approximately 90 minutes after a 20-minute aerobic exercise session at 80% of maximal oxygen uptake. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training have been found to be effective in treating anxiety (27).
While exercise can reduce anxiety, it has not been able to achieve the same level of reduction as psychopharmaceuticals (8),(24). A study conducted on individuals with moderate to severe panic disorder found that clomipramine demonstrated a superior and faster reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to physical exercise (28). Where % stands for percent and n stands for total (Table/Fig 2) (26),(27),(29).
Effect of Exercise on Mood
Available evidence suggests that engaging in moderate exercise can elevate or maintain a positive mood state (30). However, training at an extreme level can lead to a decline in mood (3). Physical activity has been shown to increase the production of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters in the brain that contribute to feelings of pleasure and well-being. Endorphins also help reduce stress and anxiety levels, further positively impacting mood. Many individuals experience a “runner’s high” after a workout, which is attributed to the release of endorphins that flood the brain and create a feeling of euphoria (30). In addition to endorphins, exercise also promotes the production of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are known to regulate mood and feelings of happiness. Mood fluctuations in individuals often tend to lead to depression rather than anxiety (31). Further research is necessary to establish the correlation between physical activity and mental health, particularly the relationship between physical movement and emotional well-being. Additional investigation is crucial to fully understand the effects of physical activity on an individual’s emotional state. Therefore, a more comprehensive analysis is required before definitive conclusions can be drawn (3),(31),(32).
Potential Drawbacks and Risks Associated with Exercise for Mental Health
Physical activity is widely recognised for its benefits, such as reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. However, it is also important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and risks associated with exercise, especially if done improperly or excessively (33),(34).
Individuals are recommended to engage in atleast 30 minutes of moderate exercise per week; however, it is crucial to consider the potential risks associated with this activity (35). The likelihood of injury increases in overweight conditions, and vigorous exercise can lead to musculoskeletal injuries, which are the most common type (36),(37). Injuries can limit body movements, cause pain, and contribute to frustration, anxiety, and depression.
Vigorous exercise also increases the risk of heart attack in individuals with underlying heart disease (37). Overtraining can result in physical and mental exhaustion, leading to irritability and decreased motivation (38),(39). Some individuals may develop exercise addiction as a means to cope with stress. While exercise can be beneficial for mental health, it should not be relied upon as the sole means of support. A comprehensive approach with various strategies and resources is important for promoting optimal mental well-being. Excessive focus on appearance during exercise can contribute to poor self-esteem and body dissatisfaction (38). Failure to achieve performance goals can lead to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment. It can also trigger or worsen eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders may become fixated on the number of calories burned during workouts, leading to excessive exertion and changes in behaviour, with severe mental and physical health consequences (13).
However, these potential drawbacks and risks should not discourage individuals from engaging in exercise altogether. It is important to exercise in moderation, avoid overexertion, and seek professional help if needed (39),(40). Being mindful and prioritising self-care is essential to enjoy the mental health benefits of exercise while minimising the risks (39).
Strategies for Incorporating Exercise into Mental Health Treatment Plans
Mental health providers can collaborate with healthcare professionals specialising in exercise to create personalised treatment plans (8),(39). However, this collaboration involves assessing patients’ readiness and motivation to engage in exercise (41). Educating patients about the benefits of exercise for mental health and providing them with resources such as fitness apps and workout plans can help them initiate their exercise routine (5),(42),(43). Physicians can advise patients to engage in atleast 30 minutes of moderate-level exercise (e.g., jogging at a faster pace) (43). Healthcare professionals can use the fiveA’s (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, Arrange) model to provide patient-specific exercise recommendations (43).
Group exercises can help patients stay motivated and committed to their exercise routine. Monitoring exercise intensity and mood fluctuations over time can enhance patients’ understanding of the mental health benefits of exercise and foster a sense of achievement. This approach allows for the assessment of patients’ progress and provides valuable insights into the positive impact of exercise on their mental well-being (32),(43). By integrating exercise into mental health treatment plans and collaborating with healthcare professionals, healthcare providers can help patients improve their overall well-being. This can be achieved through group exercises, patient education, provision of resources, and monitoring of progress (8).
Recent research highlights the efficacy of exercise in addressing mild to moderate mental health issues, in addition to its well-documented physical health benefits. There is substantial evidence supporting the role of regular physical activity in reducing anxiety and depression levels and enhancing emotional well-being. Exercise triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which help reduce stress, induce feelings of euphoria, stabilise moods, and increase happiness. Integrating exercise into mental health treatment plans can improve overall well-being, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote good physical health.
DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2024/65557.18929
Date of Submission: May 23, 2023
Date of Peer Review: Sep 02, 2023
Date of Acceptance: Nov 06, 2023
Date of Publishing: Jan 01, 2024
AUTHOR DECLARATION:
• Financial or Other Competing Interests: None
• Was Ethics Committee Approval obtained for this study? NA
• Was informed consent obtained from the subjects involved in the study? NA
• For any images presented appropriate consent has been obtained from the subjects. NA
PLAGIARISM CHECKING METHODS:
• Plagiarism X-checker: May 23, 2023
• Manual Googling: Oct 11, 2023
• iThenticate Software: Nov 03, 2023 (6%)
ETYMOLOGY: Author Origin
EMENDATIONS: 6
- Emerging Sources Citation Index (Web of Science, thomsonreuters)
- Index Copernicus ICV 2017: 134.54
- Academic Search Complete Database
- Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
- Embase
- EBSCOhost
- Google Scholar
- HINARI Access to Research in Health Programme
- Indian Science Abstracts (ISA)
- Journal seek Database
- Popline (reproductive health literature)
- www.omnimedicalsearch.com