A recent comprehensive review has found that exercise can be as effective in treating depression as traditional therapies and medications. Conducted by researchers in the UK and published in the Cochrane Library, the study analyzed existing medical literature, including 73 randomized trials involving nearly 5,000 adults diagnosed with depression.
The researchers discovered strong evidence that engaging in physical activity significantly alleviates depressive symptoms, particularly in the short term. The findings indicate that exercise yields comparable benefits to those obtained from psychological therapies and antidepressant medications. According to lead author Andrew Clegg, a professor at the University of Lancashire, “Exercise provides an option for people experiencing depressive symptoms, along with pharmacological treatments or psychological therapies.”
Study Overview and Findings
Clegg and his team conducted an extensive meta-analysis, which compared the effects of exercise against no treatment, psychological interventions, and antidepressants. They identified that out of the 73 trials, 57 directly compared exercise to no treatment, while ten compared it to therapy, and five to antidepressants. The results showed that, on average, exercise is reliably more effective than no treatment in reducing depression symptoms, although the degree of improvement may be modest.
Interestingly, the review also suggested that exercise of light to moderate intensity might be more beneficial for depression than vigorous exercise. While no particular type of exercise stood out as significantly superior, the research indicated that a mixed exercise program or resistance training could be more effective than aerobic exercise alone.
Future Research Directions
Despite the promising results, Clegg emphasized that further research is necessary to clarify the long-term effectiveness of exercise in treating depression. He noted, “If additional research were to be funded, it should consider which type of exercise is most effective in the long term, how much exercise should be undertaken, and for how long.” The study also calls for investigations into which demographics benefit most from exercise as a treatment option.
While the review indicates that exercise is one of the best strategies for improving overall health, it also highlights that reported adverse events related to exercise are uncommon. Some studies suggest that combining exercise with other therapeutic interventions, such as counseling, may yield even greater benefits for individuals facing depression.
In conclusion, individuals dealing with depressive symptoms are encouraged to explore a variety of treatment options, including exercise, which can be a valuable component of a comprehensive approach to mental health care.
