UK Scientists Find Exercise Can Provide Similar Benefits to Depression Treatments
A new review has found that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression, providing similar benefits as other widely used treatments such as therapy or medication. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Lancashire and published in the Cochrane Library, analyzed data from 73 randomized trials involving nearly 5,000 adults with depression.
According to lead author Andrew Clegg, exercise provides a viable option for people experiencing depressive symptoms, alongside pharmacological treatments or psychological therapies. The review found that exercise is reliably better at reducing depression compared to no treatment, but the long-term benefits of exercise for depression are less clear.
The researchers also discovered that moderate-intensity exercise may be more effective in reducing depression symptoms than vigorous exercise. Furthermore, a mixed exercise program or resistance training might be better than aerobic exercise alone. However, it's essential to note that no single form of exercise has been shown to be substantially better than others.
While the study suggests that exercise can provide similar benefits to other treatments, Clegg emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand its effects on depression. "If additional research were to be funded, it should consider which type of exercise is most effective in the long-term, how much exercise should be undertaken and for how long," he said.
The researchers also want to investigate who benefits from exercise, as it may not be suitable for everyone. Exercise has few reported side effects, but combining it with other interventions like therapy can be even more effective.
Ultimately, Clegg advises people dealing with depression to pursue the treatments they're most comfortable with. However, incorporating exercise into their routine should no longer be ruled out as an option, as it can provide valuable benefits in reducing symptoms of depression.
A new review has found that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression, providing similar benefits as other widely used treatments such as therapy or medication. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Lancashire and published in the Cochrane Library, analyzed data from 73 randomized trials involving nearly 5,000 adults with depression.
According to lead author Andrew Clegg, exercise provides a viable option for people experiencing depressive symptoms, alongside pharmacological treatments or psychological therapies. The review found that exercise is reliably better at reducing depression compared to no treatment, but the long-term benefits of exercise for depression are less clear.
The researchers also discovered that moderate-intensity exercise may be more effective in reducing depression symptoms than vigorous exercise. Furthermore, a mixed exercise program or resistance training might be better than aerobic exercise alone. However, it's essential to note that no single form of exercise has been shown to be substantially better than others.
While the study suggests that exercise can provide similar benefits to other treatments, Clegg emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand its effects on depression. "If additional research were to be funded, it should consider which type of exercise is most effective in the long-term, how much exercise should be undertaken and for how long," he said.
The researchers also want to investigate who benefits from exercise, as it may not be suitable for everyone. Exercise has few reported side effects, but combining it with other interventions like therapy can be even more effective.
Ultimately, Clegg advises people dealing with depression to pursue the treatments they're most comfortable with. However, incorporating exercise into their routine should no longer be ruled out as an option, as it can provide valuable benefits in reducing symptoms of depression.
! I mean, 73 trials and 5k adults is some solid research 
. The fact that moderate intensity exercise > vigorous exercise is mind-blowing 
. And who knew resistance training + aerobic exercise combo could be the winning formula? 
! I'm not saying it's a replacement for therapy or meds, but it's defo worth trying alongside your treatment plan 
.
. We need more research on who benefits from exercise and how much to do it. But honestly, the stats are looking good 
! Exercise is a viable option, and I'm all for giving it a shot 
.
. If we can get that data out there, people might be more inclined to give exercise a try 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine if it could potentially alleviate symptoms of depression? The findings are pretty compelling, especially when you consider that exercise has few reported side effects 
. I'm guessing more research would be needed to fully understand its effects and identify the most effective forms of exercise. But overall, I think this study provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of exercise as a treatment option for depression 
.
. Let's hope this study inspires more people to get moving and take control of their mental wellbeing!
exercise is literally a game changer for mental health! I've been saying it for ages that physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels 
just read that UK scientists found exercise can actually help with depression 
but at the same time, it's not entirely new info, right? 
. And yaaas, let's talk about how important it is to find what works for us individually 
. I'm def adding exercise to my self-care routine ASAP 
!
for depression! I mean, who wouldn't want to ditch those pills and just sweat it out? The fact that moderate-intensity exercise is more effective than vigorous exercise is kinda mind-blowing, tbh. And the mixed exercise program thingy? Genius! It's all about finding what works for you, you know?
. Exercise has always been a game-changer for me when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. It's like a natural mood-booster, innit? But seriously, this study is a huge deal. The fact that it's providing similar benefits to other treatments is just wow.
for depression! I've seen so many people benefit from just getting moving 
. Moderate intensity is key 
!
just read this and I'm like yessss... 73 randomized trials is a lot of data! 
what's interesting is that moderate-intensity exercise might be more effective than vigorous exercise, and mixed programs with resistance training could be the way to go... 5,000 adults is a significant sample size 
. Moreover, while exercise has few reported side effects, combining it with other interventions like therapy can indeed lead to even more profound results 
. I remember when I was younger and we used to have to run around like lunatics in school PE class just to get some exercise... not exactly the most fun experience, lol 
. The thing is, I think what's really interesting is that moderate-intensity exercise seems to be the way to go... not too hard, not too soft 
. And yeah, it's always good to have some variety in your routine, like a mix of aerobics and resistance training or whatever 
. The fact that it can provide similar benefits to other treatments like therapy or medication is mind-blowing. I wish more people would try it out, especially if they're struggling with depression 
. Let's get moving and take care of our mental well-being together 
.
Who knows, maybe we'll see a shift in how we approach mental health with exercise becoming a go-to treatment option alongside therapy and medication? 
It's worth considering, especially if you're struggling with depression or just need something to take your mind off things 
), and it's a great way to improve your mood without any negative side effects. Of course, it's all about finding what works for you, but exercise is definitely worth trying! 
The fact that moderate-intensity exercise is more effective than vigorous exercise makes sense to me - I find that a brisk walk or some light yoga does wonders for my mental state, whereas high-impact workouts just leave me feeling drained.
and that they're saying we need to look at who benefits from exercise specifically... I think it's because a lot of people assume that if you're struggling with depression, you'll automatically want to start exercising, but that's not always the case. It's all about finding what works for each individual 
. Overall, I think this is a positive step forward, but I'm not going to start calling myself a fitness guru just yet...