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.