Study: Exercise as Beneficial as Therapy for Depression

Exercise has been identified as a crucial treatment for individuals with depression, according to academics.

A recent study suggests that certain forms of exercise are just as effective as therapy, and even surpass the benefits of antidepressants.

Notably, activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training were found to be more impactful than other types of exercises, as revealed by a comprehensive analysis.

Moreover, the intensity of the exercise was directly proportional to its efficacy, as highlighted by a team of researchers based in Australia.

Even low-intensity exercises like walking and yoga were found to yield meaningful benefits.

The study, published in The BMJ, indicates that the positive impact of exercise on depression outweighs that of antidepressants.

In fact, when exercise was combined with medication, the effects were further enhanced.

The researchers also found that the benefits of exercise were comparable to those of cognitive behavioral therapy, although the evidence supporting therapy was of higher quality.

The findings are based on an extensive review of 218 clinical trials involving over 14,000 participants from various countries.

As a result, the researchers suggest that activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training should be considered as core treatments for depression, alongside psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.

In an accompanying editorial, Professor Juan Angel Bellon from the University of Malaga, Spain, notes that primary care clinicians can now recommend exercise, psychotherapy, or antidepressants as standalone options for adults with mild or moderate depression.

The choice of treatment depends on patient preference and other factors, including accessibility.

For adults with severe or treatment-resistant depression, a combination of psychological and pharmacological approaches is currently favored based on the available evidence.

Dr Paul Keedwell, consultant psychiatrist and fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

This is a welcome review of the evidence supporting exercise as part of a holistic programme of treatment for depression.

The power of exercise to lift mood is often overlooked.

Social interaction might be almost as important as the physiological effects of exercise

(with group activities such as yoga, dance and walking groups being particularly helpful)

And context is probably important too, with additional benefits to be gained in green and natural environments.

Many depressed individuals find exercise very challenging.

But, taken together, the evidence supports exercise being an important part of a package of treatments for depression, and it will help with physical health too.”

Prof David Curtis, honorary professor at University College London (UCL), added:

Even moderate forms of exercise, such as walking, produced benefits, although the effects do seem to be stronger with more vigorous exercise.

Overall, the effects of exercise seem as strong or stronger than for antidepressants or standard psychological treatments.

Thus, the authors’ suggestion that exercise should always be recommended as part of the treatment package seems sensible.

But Professor Michael Bloomfield, consultant psychiatrist at UCL, added:

Whilst this paper adds to the evidence that exercise is good for you, it is not possible to say at this stage that exercise on its own is better than existing treatments including medication and psychological therapies.

When people experience more severe forms of depression simply offering exercise may not be completely helpful, for example, when someone is struggling to get out of bed let alone get to the gym.

Depression is often caused by a range of factors and it is more helpful to think about the pros and cons of a range of treatments including medication, talking therapy and exercise, that can be offered to patients, rather than an unhelpful division of medication vs. talking therapy vs. exercise.

If you’re looking for ways to exercise in Liverpool why not try these:

ShredFast

Experience the electrifying fusion of HIIT, Kettlebells, and Bodyweight workouts with ShredFast.

What sets ShredFast apart is the extraordinary fact that every team member has personally experienced the transformative power of the ShredFast program before becoming an integral part of their team.

Join a gym

Liverpool has many gyms around town and local areas. Sometimes you will find offers for first time joiners check out their websites for more info.

Swim at Lifestyles

Lifestyles centres are community-based facilities that offer a range of health and fitness services to residents of the city.

These centres are designed to promote physical activity, health, and well-being among individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

Many Lifestyles centres feature indoor swimming pools, providing opportunities for aquatic fitness activities, swimming lessons, and recreational swimming sessions.

Source: theguideliverpool