Physio Finds: Running from Depression: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Exercise Dose and Modality in the Treatment for Depression

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Physio Finds Running

While exercise has long been promoted as a treatment for depression, this systematic review covered a massive 177 studies with a total of 10,673 participants to review the truth of these claims. Compared to the control group, it appears that exercise is an effective treatment for depression. Interestingly, exercise in the form of dancing, walking/jogging, and strength training appeared to be especially effective at treating depression symptoms. The positive benefits of exercise increased as exercise amounts increased until meeting the WHO guidelines for physical activity of approximately 150 minutes at moderate intensity. Extra exercise beyond the recommended guidelines had few additional benefits. Overall, this study finds that:

“Exercise is an effective treatment for depression. … Exercise appeared equally effective for people with
and without comorbidities, and of different baseline levels of depression. Many forms of exercise could
be considered first-line treatment, alongside psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.” 
 

- Taken from the abstract

You can find this fascinating read here.

 

Physio Finds is a monthly News Update in collaboration with PABC’s Knowledge Services Manager Rachael Bradshaw.
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