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Regular physical activity could reduce symptoms of depression as effectively as psychological therapy, according to a study updated recently. It opines that exercise may offer benefits comparable to antidepressant medication.

Depression is a major global health challenge, affecting more than 280 million people worldwide and contributing significantly to disability and reduced quality of life. Exercise is a low-cost, widely accessible way to improve physical and mental health and a better option for patients.

The scientists analysed data from 73 randomised controlled trials involving nearly 5,000 adults diagnosed with depression. The studies compared exercise with no treatment or control conditions, as well as with psychological therapies and antidepressant medications.

Overall, the findings showed that exercise led to moderate reductions in depressive symptoms compared with no treatment. When compared with psychological therapy, exercise produced similar improvements, based on moderate-certainty evidence from ten trials. Comparisons with antidepressant medication also suggested comparable effects, but the supporting evidence was limited and rated as low certainty. Few studies followed participants after treatment ended, leaving the long-term impact of exercise unclear.

Reported side effects of exercise were uncommon. Some participants experienced muscle or joint injuries, while those taking antidepressants more often reported side effects such as fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.

The findings suggest exercise seems a safe and accessible option to help manage symptoms of depression. However, exercise does not work for everyone, and it is important to find approaches that individuals are willing and able to maintain.

The review found that light to moderate intensity activity may be more beneficial than vigorous exercise. Greater improvements in depressive symptoms were associated with completing between 13 and 36 exercise sessions. No single type of exercise clearly outperformed others, although combining different activities and resistance training appeared more effective than aerobic exercise alone.

Despite the addition of 35 new trials since earlier studies in 2008 and 2013, the main conclusions were same. Many studies were small, highlighting the need for larger, high-quality trials to determine which types of exercise work best, for whom, and whether the benefits last over time.

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