Physical activity as part of depression care
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking or practicing yoga, supports mood and can ease depressive symptoms. The impact grows as the level of exertion rises, a finding echoed by a large, systematic review in the medical literature.
Researchers examined data from 218 clinical trials that included more than 14,000 individuals diagnosed with depression. Across activities like walking, running, yoga, strength training, aerobic routines, tai chi, and qigong, the effects were typically moderate, while dancing showed a more pronounced antidepressant impact.
When movement was paired with psychotherapy or antidepressant medications, results were especially favorable. Walking and running benefited both men and women, but strength training appeared more effective for women. Yoga and qigong tended to have stronger effects for men. In terms of age, yoga offered greater benefit for older adults, whereas strength training yielded more significant results for younger people.
The authors note that the overall evidence quality is modest and that only a small number of studies followed participants for a year or longer. More high quality research is needed to confirm these findings, but the current data already support including physical activity as a component of depression treatment plans.
There is a note about a physician who once used the name Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, reflecting the historical context of how medical terminology and approach have evolved over time.