A new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry suggests that brief bursts of intense exercise, specifically sprinting, may serve as an effective low-cost therapy for people who experience frequent and unexpected panic attacks.
Study Overview
The research involved 72 adults with panic disorder who were randomly assigned to either an exercise program or a relaxation therapy group for 12 weeks. The exercise group performed 30-second sprints interspersed with walking recovery, three times per week, while the relaxation group used deep breathing and muscle tension techniques.
Key Findings
Results showed that the sprinting group experienced fewer and less severe panic attacks compared to the relaxation group. These benefits persisted even 12 weeks after the exercise sessions ended. The researchers used the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) to measure outcomes at six, 12, and 24 weeks.
Lead author Ricardo William Muotri, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of São Paulo Medical School, explained that intense exercise allows patients to experience bodily sensations like a racing heart or shortness of breath in a safe context, helping them reinterpret these signals as non-dangerous.
Expert Insights
Jasper Smits, a psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin not involved in the study, noted that these findings align with broader research showing aerobic exercise reduces anxiety and improves mood. A 2026 review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine also found exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Kristin Szuhany, a clinical psychologist at NYU Langone, added that high-intensity exercise may reduce anxiety sensitivity, or the discomfort people feel in response to physical sensations of anxiety.
Why Exercise Works
Experts suggest that vigorous exercise functions as interoceptive exposure therapy, intentionally eliciting feared physical sensations in a controlled setting. This helps people relearn that these sensations are uncomfortable but not dangerous. Exercise also has broader effects on mood, stress reactivity, sleep, inflammation, and neurotransmitter systems.
Practical Implications
Exercise is a low-cost tool that can be integrated into panic disorder treatment programs and supervised by various healthcare professionals, not just psychologists. This could help more people access care, overcoming barriers like cost, stigma, and limited availability.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size, short duration, and involved sedentary adults, which may limit generalizability. Experts emphasize that exercise is not a cure-all and should complement professional care when needed.
