Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming or dancing can act as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, researchers say. A major analysis of 63 reviews covering nearly 80,000 people found that physical activity significantly reduced symptoms, especially in young adults and new mothers.
The findings, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, show that heart rate–raising aerobic exercise delivered the strongest benefits. Resistance training and yoga also helped, though to a lesser degree. Group or supervised activities produced greater improvements, suggesting social connection enhances the antidepressant effect.
Neil Munro of James Cook University said exercise can sometimes match or exceed traditional treatments for mild symptoms. However, experts urged caution. Brendon Stubbs of King’s College London stressed that people should not replace medication or therapy, particularly in severe cases. Michael Bloomfield of University College London added that exercise works best as a complement to established treatments.
Researchers say short, low-intensity programmes may help anxiety most, while group exercise offers added emotional support.
