A new study published in The BMJ has looked at the effectiveness of various types of exercise in managing symptoms of depression. The research analyzed 215 studies to compare walking, running, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, aerobic exercise, and strength training.
The study found 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, especially for men and older adults. People who included any form of exercise while taking antidepressants showed better outcomes compared to those who only used medication.
The researchers emphasized that while higher-intensity exercise was most helpful for depression, any regular exercise routine is better than none. The duration and frequency of exercise did not significantly impact the effectiveness, suggesting that consistent exercise, regardless of intensity or duration, can help manage symptoms of depression.