In a recent NPR article, reporter Allison Aubrey explains how regular physical activity can boost people’s mood and help ease symptoms of depression by triggering the release of mood-boosting chemicals in the body.
In the article, Aubrey references a study by the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent network of researchers. The group reviewed 73 clinical trials involving about 5,000 participants diagnosed with depression, many of whom were also taking antidepressants. The study revealed that exercise was just as effective as medication or psychological therapies in treating depression.
Andrew Clegg, a professor at the University of Lancashire in the U.K., told NPR, “we found that exercise was as effective as pharmacological treatments or psychological therapies as well”.
Dr. Stephen Mateka, medical director of psychiatry at Inspira Health, also told Aubrey that he was not by the findings as it resembles some of the effects of medication.
This new Cochrane review reinforces the evidence that exercise is one of the most evidence-based tools for improving mood.
Exercise can help improve neurotransmitter function, like serotonin as well as dopamine and endorphins. So there is certainly overlap between exercise and how antidepressants offer relief.
Another physician, Dr. Nicholas Fabiano of the University of Ottawa, explained to NPR that exercise is a powerful treatment for depression because it boosts brain growth factors and supports neuroplasticity. Although it is often underutilized, exercise is recognized as a first-line treatment and works best when combined with other forms of care.
The brain in depression is thought to be less plastic. So there’s less what we call neurotrophic factors, or BDNF. He calls it the Miracle-Gro for the brain. “And we know that exercise can also boost it. So I think exercise is a fundamental pillar we really need to counsel patients on.
Exercise has been adopted as a first-line treatment in guidelines for depression globally with good acceptability and safety. Yet he says it remains underappreciated and underutilized.
It’s much easier for a primary care physician to prescribe medication to a patient. You just write it on a pad. It’s harder to prescribe exercise, which takes time and effort and can be difficult to start for people who are depressed.
We can start someone on an antidepressant — maybe that improves their mood, and they’re able to engage in therapy. And from there, maybe now they’re more interested in starting some of these lifestyle habits like exercise.
– Dr. Nicholas Fabiano in NPR News
The study also found that light to moderate exercise, just enough to make someone feel slightly winded—can be just as beneficial as vigorous exercise, especially for those who are just starting out. It also revealed that combining aerobic and resistance training is more effective than aerobic exercise alone in improving depressive symptoms.
Dr. Fabiano recommends beginning with modest amounts of physical activity, such as daily walks, which can still provide significant health benefits.
Dr. Mateka emphasizes the availability of many different forms of exercise, including yoga, tai chi, walking, and jogging. She also suggests that participating in group activities can further enhance the psychosocial benefits of exercise. “Exercise is something that is extremely low cost. It’s very accessible. It has very minimal side effects. And it has the opportunity to impact you positively, mentally, emotionally, socially and physically.”
Acknowledgement: This summary was generated using AI writing tools as part of my experimental learning process. For more information, check out the original articles listed below.
Related Resource Link
- Exercise is as effective as medication in treating depression, study finds | NPR
- Exercise for depression | Cochrane Library