Exercise for Depression: A Comparable Treatment to Therapy and Medication

For the over 280 million people worldwide grappling with depression, a new avenue for relief is gaining recognition: exercise. Recent research suggests that moderate-intensity physical activity can be as effective in reducing depressive symptoms as psychological therapy, and shows a similar effect to antidepressant medication, though with some limitations in the evidence.

The Cochrane Review Findings

An updated Cochrane Review, published in January 2026, analyzed 73 randomized controlled trials encompassing nearly 5,000 adults experiencing depression. The review, led by Professor Andrew Clegg at the University of Lancashire and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration North-West Coast (ARC NWC), compared exercise to no treatment, control interventions, psychological therapies, and antidepressant medications. Cochrane

The results indicated that exercise provides a moderate benefit in alleviating depressive symptoms compared to no treatment or a control intervention. Notably, when compared directly to psychological therapy, exercise demonstrated a similar impact on depressive symptoms, based on evidence from ten trials. Comparisons with antidepressant medication also suggested a comparable effect, but the evidence supporting this finding was deemed to have low certainty. Medical Xpress

What Kind of Exercise is Most Effective?

The research doesn’t necessarily call for strenuous workouts. Moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, appears to be sufficient to yield positive results. NPR

How Does Exercise Impact Depression?

Experts suggest exercise mimics some of the effects of antidepressant medication by influencing neurotransmitter function. Specifically, exercise can help improve levels of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins – chemicals in the body known to boost mood. NPR

Limitations and Future Research

While the findings are promising, it’s important to note that long-term effects remain unclear, as few studies followed participants for an extended period after treatment. The evidence comparing exercise to antidepressants was also characterized as having low certainty, indicating a need for further investigation. Cochrane Library

Professor Clegg emphasizes that exercise doesn’t perform equally well for everyone, and finding approaches that individuals are willing and able to maintain is crucial. Medical Xpress

Key Takeaways

• Moderate-intensity exercise can be as effective as therapy for reducing depressive symptoms.
• Exercise shows a similar effect to antidepressant medication, but the evidence is currently limited.
• Exercise is a safe, accessible, and cost-effective option for managing depression.
• Individual preferences and adherence are important factors in successful treatment.