A sweeping new analysis has confirmed what many have long suspected: regular physical activity can ease the symptoms of depression as effectively as antidepressants or talk therapy. Researchers reviewed 69 clinical trials involving nearly 5,000 adults and found that even light exercise—such as walking or gardening—produced a “clinically meaningful” improvement in mood.
The updated Cochrane Library review nearly doubles the evidence base since 2013, highlighting that moderate, consistent activity often works better than vigorous workouts because people stick with it longer. Scientists still aren’t sure how exercise helps, but it may reduce inflammation and boost brain cell growth.
As the authors note, the findings strongly support including exercise in treatment plans for depression.
Read the full article at New Scientist.