Exercise may be a frontline treatment for mild depression

Researchers analysed 63 published reviews involving nearly 80,000 people and report that aerobic group exercise produced the largest reductions in mild depression and anxiety, with especially strong effects in young adults and new mothers.

Researchers report that aerobic exercise can be considered a frontline treatment option for mild depression and anxiety. The conclusion comes from an analysis of 63 published reviews covering nearly 80,000 volunteers and was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study found the largest improvements in young adults and new mothers. Group or supervised aerobic activities showed the greatest benefits compared with resistance training or mind-body practices. Key findings: - The analysis covered 63 reviews and almost 80,000 participants. - Aerobic activities that increase heart rate (for example running, swimming or dancing) had the biggest impact on depression. - Group or supervised exercise showed additional benefits, suggesting social connection contributes to the effect. - For anxiety, low-intensity programmes lasting a couple of months appeared to be most effective. - Experts cautioned that the evidence is strongest for mild or subclinical symptoms and that exercise is not presented as a replacement for established treatments where those are clinically indicated. Summary: The study indicates that aerobic, especially group, exercise is associated with reductions in symptoms of mild depression and anxiety and that benefits were notable in young adults and new mothers. Experts emphasised the findings mainly apply to mild cases and that exercise can complement but does not replace evidence-based treatments for more severe illness. Undetermined at this time.