How Exercise Reduces Depression
Researchers theorize that exercise reduces inflammation and increases motivation.
Physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, is known to reduce depressive symptoms, but how is not understood. Researchers from University College London reviewed multiple studies on depression, exercise, motivation, dopamine transmission, and inflammation. Study authors theorize that exercise’s anti-depressant effect comes from its tendency to reduce inflammation, improve dopamine transmission and boost exertion of effort—both physical and mental.
“[W]e are proposing that exercise—particularly aerobic activities that make you sweaty and out of breath—decreases inflammation and boosts dopamine transmission, which in turn increases the desire to exert effort, and therefore boosts motivation generally.” Says lead study author Emily Hird, PhD, senior research fellow from the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London. Lack of motivation to do anything is a key characteristic of depression.
“Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the antidepressant effects of physical activity in depression could also inform our understanding of the mechanisms causing depression and the development of novel intervention strategies, in particular personalized intervention and social prescribing.”
More research is recommended, especially large randomized controlled trials that measure the effects of exercise on variables including inflammation, dopamine transmission and motivation.
The research review is available in Translational Psychiatry (2024)
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
