Exercise for Depression Is Helpful

New study findings support exercise as a first-line treatment for non-severe depression among adults, as published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2022; doi:10.1136/bjsports-2022-105964).

The University of Hong Kong researchers reviewed studies to compare the effectiveness of exercise, antidepressants and combination treatments for adults with non-severe depression. Minor depression typically involves fewer symptoms than major depressive disorder or symptoms of less severity, including depressed mood, sleeping difficulties or impaired concentration.

A meta-analysis of studies found that no treatment method was superior to another. Treatment with antidepressant medications had fewer dropouts than exercise therapy; however, exercise therapy did not have risks of medication side effects. Combined treatments did not offer better results.

Study limitations include the low number of studies and lack of consistency among exercise protocols. Treatment guidelines in other countries for exercise therapy recommend programs that consist of 30- to 60-minute sessions at moderate intensity, two to three times per week for 9–12 weeks.

See also: Exercise Boosts Neuroplasticity, Helping Depression