Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming and dancing can serve as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. The findings, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, show the strongest benefits among young adults and new mothers.
Scientists reviewed 63 studies covering nearly 80,000 people. Activities ranged from aerobic workouts and resistance training to yoga and tai chi. Aerobic exercise that raised the heart rate had the greatest impact on depression, while resistance training and yoga showed smaller effects. Group or supervised sessions delivered additional benefits, suggesting social connection plays a key role.
Neil Munro of James Cook University said exercise can match or even exceed traditional treatments for mild symptoms. However, Brendon Stubbs of King’s College London cautioned that the evidence applies mainly to mild cases and should not replace medication or therapy for severe depression. Michael Bloomfield of University College London added that exercise should complement, not substitute, established treatments.
