Physical activity is associated with improved mental health. In a recent study, researchers identified certain forms of exercise that may be equally effective as therapy in treating depression.
Depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental health condition that causes a persistent feeling of sadness, so much so that it affects the way a person’s daily activity, behavior, and the way they think. A combination of medications and psychotherapy is the recommended treatment for people with depression.
In the latest study, researchers found that walking, jogging, yoga, tai chi, aerobic exercises, and strength training are the exercise forms that could be used in potential treatment for depression.
“Exercise is an effective treatment for depression, with walking or jogging, yoga, and strength training more effective than other exercises, particularly when intense. Yoga and strength training were well tolerated compared with other treatments. Exercise appeared equally effective for people with and without comorbidities and with different baseline levels of depression,” the researchers wrote in the study published in the British Medical Journal.
The findings were made after evaluating data from more than 14,000 participants from 218 studies on exercise and depression. Researchers noted that the intensity of the activity was directly linked to the extent of improvement in depression symptoms. However, even low-intensity exercises such as walking or yoga also offered significant benefits.
“We found activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training were extremely beneficial for treating depression. Strength training was found to be an especially effective exercise for younger women, whereas older men received the most benefit from yoga,” said lead study author, Dr. Michael Noetel.
“We know people often respond well to medication and psychotherapy for depression, but many are resistant to treatment. We found exercise should be considered alongside…
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