Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming or dancing can serve 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 improvements among young adults and new mothers.
Scientists reviewed 63 studies involving nearly 80,000 people. They examined activities ranging from resistance training to yoga and tai chi. Aerobic exercise that raised the heart rate produced the greatest reductions in depression, while benefits for anxiety were slightly smaller. Group and supervised sessions showed added impact, suggesting social connection plays a key role.
Neil Munro of James Cook University said exercise can match or even exceed traditional treatments for mild symptoms. However, experts cautioned against replacing established therapies. Brendon Stubbs of King’s College London and Michael Bloomfield of University College London stressed that exercise should complement, not replace, medication or psychological therapy in more severe cases.
