New Delhi (PTI): Regular low intensity exercise can work wonders for people who often complain of fatigue, as it helps increase energy levels by 20 per cent and reduce symptoms of tiredness by 65 per cent, a study has found.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia found that regular exercise can actually go a long way in increasing feelings of energy particularly in individuals who have sedentary lifestyles.

"Exercise is a way for people to feel more energetic. There's a scientific basis for it, and there are advantages to it compared to things like caffeine and energy drinks," said professor Patrick O'Connor, co-director of the UGA Exercise Psychology Laboratory who co-authored the study with Tim Puetz of the Georgia University.

About 25 per cent of the general population experience fatigue and a lot of people are overworked and do not sleep enough, the study found.

Puetz said the findings suggest that exercise acts directly on the central nervous system to increase energy and reduce fatigue.

"Exercise traditionally has been associated with physical health, but we are quickly learning that exercise has a more holistic effect on the human body and includes effects on psychological health," he said.

The research, published in the February issue of the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics recently, studied 36 volunteers who did not exercise regularly and had reported persistent fatigue.