Breaking down the Science of Exercise and Depression: A BMJ Study Reveals What Works Best

A study published in The BMJ examined the effectiveness of different types of exercise in managing depression symptoms. The research looked at 215 studies and compared various forms of exercise, including walking, running, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, aerobic exercise, and strength training.

The findings showed that walking, running, yoga, strength training, and dancing were the most effective types of exercise for individuals using exercise as the sole treatment for depression. For those who combined exercise with talk therapy, yoga, tai chi, and aerobic exercise were particularly beneficial. Additionally, people who included any form of exercise while taking antidepressants showed better outcomes compared to those who only used medication.

While higher-intensity exercise was most helpful for depression management, the study emphasized that any regular exercise routine is better than none. The duration and frequency of exercise did not significantly impact the effectiveness of the exercises in managing depression symptoms. Overall, consistent exercise can help individuals manage symptoms of depression effectively.