Key Summary
- Moving gently can really help your mood
- It may work as well as therapy/medication for some
- Benefits look promising, but it still needs stronger proof
Researchers at the University of Lancashire has found that light exercises are as beneficial as therapy or even antidepressants, according to media reports.
The experts have come to this conclusion after reviewing 73 studies, including 10 clinical trials.
The study claims that light to moderate intensity exercise is more effective than vigorous exercise in tackling depression.
People suffering from mental health issues are recommended to practice light to moderate exercises between 13 and 36 sessions to experience the positive outcome.
Mixing various exercise techniques such as weights, resistance training, and aerobics has found good results as well.
Activities like brisk walking, heavy cleaning, mopping, cycling or badminton are other effective exercise options.
Exercises like yoga, qigong and stretching were not included in the analysis.
However, the researchers cautioned that the long-term benefits of exercise for depression remain unclear, as most studies only followed participants for the duration of the treatment period.
They also cautioned that exercise may not be an effective option for everyone.
Professor Andrew Clegg, the lead author of the review, called for larger, high-quality studies to find out which type of exercise work best, and whether the benefits last over time.
Dr Jeff Lambert, associate professor in health psychology from the University of Bath welcomed the study but told the Independent that the findings were limited by the quality of the trials it includes
