The Power of Exercise in Managing Depression: A BMJ Study Reveals What Works Best for All Ages and Genders

The BMJ published a recent study that analyzed 215 studies to determine the most effective types of exercise in managing depression symptoms. The research compared different forms of exercise, including walking, running, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, aerobic exercise, and strength training.

The findings showed that walking, running, yoga, strength training, and dancing were the most effective for individuals who used exercise as the sole treatment for depression. For those who combined exercise with talk therapy, yoga and tai chi were particularly beneficial for men and older adults. Those who included any form of exercise while taking antidepressants showed better outcomes compared to those who only used medication.

The researchers emphasized that while higher-intensity exercise was helpful for depression management, any regular exercise routine is better than none. The duration and frequency of exercise did not significantly impact the effectiveness of the exercise regimen. Therefore, consistent exercise can help manage symptoms of depression regardless of intensity or duration.