Physical activity, including walking and yoga, is beneficial for depression; The higher the intensity of the movement, the greater its effect. This has been shown by a study published in the journal. BMJ.
Scientists analyzed data from 218 clinical trials involving more than 14 thousand people with depression. Walking, running, yoga, strength training, aerobics, tai chi and qigong were found to have moderate antidepressant effects, while dance had significant antidepressant effects.
Particularly effective was activity combined with psychotherapy or antidepressants. Although walking and running were effective for both men and women, strength training was more effective for women, while yoga and qigong were more effective for men. Yoga was better for older people, while strength training was better for younger people.
The authors acknowledge that the quality of evidence is low and few studies follow patients for a year or longer. More research is needed, but the current evidence is sufficient to include physical activity in treatment recommendations for depression.
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