Exercise may help treat depression and anxiety, study suggests

A review of 63 studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found aerobic activities such as running, swimming and dancing had the largest effects on symptoms of depression and anxiety. The review also linked group workouts to greater reductions in depression, especially for people aged 18–30 and postnatal women.

A new review reports that certain forms of exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Australian researchers analysed 63 studies and published their findings in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. They identified aerobic activities such as running, swimming and dancing as having the most substantial impact. The review also noted that group workouts showed stronger links to reduced depression for young adults and postnatal women. Key findings: - The review analysed 63 studies and was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. - Aerobic exercises including running, swimming and dancing showed the largest effects on both depression and anxiety symptoms. - Group workouts were associated with greater reductions in depression, notably among people aged 18 to 30 and postnatal women. - Shorter, lower-intensity sessions were reported as more effective for reducing anxiety. - Researchers suggested that mental health professionals and public health bodies recognise exercise as an evidence-based option alongside traditional treatments. Summary: The study highlights exercise as a potentially important component in managing common mental health conditions and identifies differences in who appears to benefit most. Researchers recommended that clinicians and public health guidelines include exercise alongside other approaches, and how widely those recommendations will be adopted is undetermined at this time.