Though exercise has been long known to improve one's mood and boost health, a new massive study suggests that it can be employed as a serious depression treatment.
Exercises May Seriously Treat Depression
According to Science Alert, the study examined the findings of 41 papers that monitored 2,264 patients with clinical depression. They conducted this meta-analysis to examine the effects of exercise on their depressive symptoms. Considering the scope of their coverage, the researchers said that their study was the largest to look into how exercise impacts this mental illness and its conditions. The study was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Per Business Insider, the researchers discovered that the impacts of exercise on depression were significant enough for it to be considered an evidence-based treatment for the mental illness. Andreas Heissel, the study's lead author and a researcher from the University of Potsdam, notes that they discovered significant and large results. Heissel notes that the researchers expect their detailed review to lead to further updates on recommendations and guidelines for exercise to be considered a priority treatment option.
According to current guidelines from institutes, such as the World Health Organization, exercise may be an additional treatment on top of medications and therapy.
However, Felipe Schuch, the study's senior author and a professor from the University of Santa Maria, mentioned to the Washington Post that their data revealed that exercise offered somewhat better results than regular prescription treatments.
The researchers note, however, that there is a need for further research in order for exercise to be considered as a first-line depression treatment, which means being at the same level as medications and psychotherapy. This is in contrast to how it is presently perceived as an additional treatment.
According to the researchers, further research should examine the effectiveness of exercise in the long term and its viability as a treatment option for particular groups.
The studies the researchers looked into covered participants who had the willingness and motivation to exercise. However, it did not cover those who had existing medical conditions that exercise may pose risks to. The researchers note that not everyone can access quality exercise.
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Which Exercises Are More Effective in Treating Depression?
The studies covered in the meta-analysis examined various types of exercises, including weight training and walking, among others.
As gauged by the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, any kind of exercise helped with the improvement of symptoms. However, there were certain exercises that were notably effective.
According to the authors, resistance training and aerobic exercise significantly reduced depressive symptoms. This was the same for "supervised and group exercises" that were moderately intense.
In fact, a 2021 study revealed that any consistent exercise may benefit anxiety, depression, and other conditions. A 2018 study also discovered that strength training and aerobic exercise could help manage depression.
The researchers behind the recent meta-analysis think that their study shows how exercise can be a treatment option for several depression patients, especially those who cannot undergo psychotherapy or medications. They further note that clinical decisions and updates on depression treatment guidelines should consider their findings.
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