US EditionPhysical Activity Shows Comparable Benefits to Therapy for Treating Depression
An analysis of nearly 5,000 adults in 73 trials found exercise reduces depressive symptoms moderately and matches short-term benefits of therapy and antidepressants, with some uncertainty.
- On Thursday the 8th of January 2026, the Cochrane review led by Andrew J Clegg found organized exercise may moderately reduce depressive symptoms, with effects comparable to therapy or antidepressants.
- By updating the 2013 Cochrane review, the team analysed dozens of randomized controlled trials involving almost 5,000 adults with depression, roughly doubling the evidence base.
- People completing 13 exercise sessions, with light or moderate activity or resistance training, showed better results, according to the review, possibly linked to myokine release.
- Healthcare organisations have recommended regular exercise for managing depression, supporting guidelines; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence advises weekly aerobic exercise for 10 weeks alongside therapy and medication.
- Researchers caution that many trials were small and unblinded, limiting confidence in long-term outcomes, and call for larger pragmatic routine-care trials combining behavioural support interventions.
32 Articles
32 Articles
The analysis was based on data from nearly five thousand people diagnosed with depression or who had severe symptoms. The results show that regular exercise significantly reduces sadness, lack of energy and the tendency to isolate. Benefits of exercise: can reduce symptoms of depression Participants followed exercise programs for several weeks or months. The activities were diverse and accessible, from brisk walking and gardening to running, foo…
The Independent
The light exercise as effective for depression as psychological therapy
Brisk walking is one of the exercises proven to help tackle depression, according to a new review
Rejecting Physical Exercise Achieves the Same Effects as Psychotherapy to Reduce Depressive Symptoms
A review of studies by the Centro Cochrane Iberoamericano, based in Barcelona, points to the moderate benefit of physical activity in the approach to depression. "Exercise would be an added, not a substitute, of global treatment" Read
Science Daily
Conservative AngleScientists find exercise rivals therapy for depression
A large review of studies suggests that exercise can ease depression about as effectively as psychological therapy. Compared with antidepressants, exercise showed similar benefits, though the evidence was less certain. Researchers found that light to moderate activity over multiple sessions worked best, with few side effects. While it’s not a cure-all, exercise may be a powerful and accessible tool for many people.
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