Objectives: To see how leisure-time physical activity impacts previous 30-day functioning for those with an anxiety disorder.Methods: Individuals who participated in the National Survey of American Life meeting criteria for an anxiety disorder (n = 548) were included in this analysis. The dependent variables were the WHO-DAS II categories, which measured previous 30-day functioning in six different categories. The independent variable was leisure-time physical activity.Results: As the level of leisure-time physical activity increased, the odds of having at least some impairment did not decrease. Rarely participating in leisure-time physical activity had a significant protective effect against at least some impairment in the cognition, role impairment, and social interaction categories. Additionally, there was no protective effect for those who often or sometimes participated in leisure-time physical activity in the cognition, mobility, or role functioning categories.Discussion: Based on this study, public health officials should note that promoting leisure-time physical activity may not be the best strategy to improve daily functioning for those with an anxiety disorder. Consequently, public health experts should continue to explore other constructive ways to improve daily functioning and quality of life for those who suffer from anxiety disorders of one type or another.Keywords: Anxiety disorders, leisure-time physical activity, impairment
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