Adapted from BMJ 17 Feb 2024 Effect of exercise for depression Noetel M. Sanders et al.
We all know that exercise is beneficial in many ways. Researchers were specifically interested in what types, durations and intensity were helpful in treating major depressive disorder.
Sanders and Gallardo-Gomez performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis. The methods allowed such moderators such as intensity, dose, age, and sex to be assessed. 218 studies covering over 14 thousand people were studied.
Compared to active controls, moderate reductions in depression were found for walking or jogging, yoga, strength training, mixed aerobic exercise, and tai chi or qigong. Effects were proportional to the intensity of the exercise. Strength training, walking and yoga appeared to be the most liked and adhered to forms of exercise.
The effects seemed proportional to the intensity of the exercise, were higher when people exercised in groups. The effects were as good as psychotherapy or using drugs.
Diabetes Diet 