Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming or dancing can act as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. A large analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found the strongest benefits in young adults and new mothers.
Scientists reviewed 63 studies covering nearly 80,000 people. Activities included aerobic workouts, resistance training, yoga and tai chi. Aerobic exercise that raised heart rate showed the greatest impact on depression, while anxiety improved most with shorter, low-intensity programmes. Group or supervised exercise delivered additional benefits, suggesting social connection plays a key role.
Lead researcher Neil Munro of James Cook University said exercise can match or even exceed traditional treatments for mild symptoms. However, experts urged caution. Brendon Stubbs of King’s College London and Michael Bloomfield of University College London stressed that exercise should complement, not replace, therapy or medication for people with moderate to severe depression.
