University of South Australia (UniSA) researchers have found that exercise should be the primary treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. Their comprehensive review reveals that physical activity can alleviate mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, proving 1.5 times more effective than counseling or top medications.
Their study demonstrated that exercise interventions lasting 12 weeks or less were most effective in reducing mental health symptoms. According to lead author Ben Singh, even small amounts of exercise can positively impact mental health.
Despite poor mental health affecting a significant portion of the population and existing evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity, it is not widely adopted as a first-choice treatment. Singh and his colleagues conducted an umbrella review to evaluate the effects of various types of physical activity on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adults.
The researchers analyzed 97 reviews, including 1039 trials and over 128,119 participants. They found that exercise improved symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress 1.5 times better than talk therapy or medication. All types of physical activity, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, Pilates, and yoga, were beneficial.
Different exercises provided varying benefits. For instance, yoga and mind-body exercises reduced anxiety the most, while resistance exercise was more effective for depression. Higher-intensity exercise was particularly beneficial for depression and anxiety, whereas longer durations had smaller effects compared to short and mid-duration bursts.
The research indicated that women who were pregnant or had recently given birth, people with depression, HIV, kidney disease, and healthy individuals benefited the most. Although most available evidence focused on mild to moderate depression, further research in diverse mental health areas could lead to stronger conclusions.
The findings do not discount the importance of medication and therapy for many mental health conditions; instead, they highlight the need for a renewed focus on exercise as a crucial treatment.
