Regular physical activity may offer a viable alternative to psychological therapy for alleviating symptoms of depression, according to a comprehensive review published by Cochrane on January 8, 2026. The analysis indicates that exercise can be nearly as effective as traditional therapeutic approaches, providing an accessible option for those affected by this widespread condition.
The review, spearheaded by researchers at the University of Lancashire, analyzed data from 73 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 5,000 adults diagnosed with depression. The studies compared the impact of exercise against no treatment, psychological therapies, and antidepressant medications. The findings revealed that exercise yielded moderate reductions in depressive symptoms when compared to no treatment, and produced similar improvements to psychological therapy based on moderate certainty evidence from ten trials.
When assessed alongside antidepressants, exercise showed comparable benefits; however, the certainty of this evidence was deemed lower. The World Health Organization estimates that depression affects more than 280 million people globally, contributing significantly to disability. The findings underscore exercise as a low-cost and widely accessible option that also promotes physical health, making it attractive to both patients and healthcare professionals.
Exercise Effectiveness and Recommendations
The review highlighted that light to moderate physical activities appear to be more beneficial than vigorous workouts. Participants who completed between 13 and 36 exercise sessions reported greater improvements in depressive symptoms. Notably, no single type of exercise emerged as superior; however, programs that integrated various activities, including resistance training, were more effective than aerobic exercise alone. Activities such as yoga, qigong, and stretching were not included in this analysis and warrant further investigation.
Reported side effects from exercise were minimal, with occasional incidents of muscle or joint injuries. In contrast, those taking antidepressants often experienced common medication-related issues such as fatigue and gastrointestinal discomfort. Professor Andrew Clegg, the lead author of the review, stated, “Our findings suggest that exercise appears to be a safe and accessible option for helping to manage symptoms of depression. This suggests that exercise works well for some people, but not for everyone, and finding approaches that individuals are willing and able to maintain is important.”
Future Research and Considerations
Despite the positive findings, the review’s conclusions remain cautious. The update incorporated 35 new trials since previous versions published in 2008 and 2013, yet the core conclusions did not significantly change. Many studies included in the analysis were relatively small, often involving fewer than 100 participants, which complicates the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Professor Clegg emphasized the need for larger, high-quality studies to ascertain which specific types of exercise are most effective, for whom, and whether the benefits persist over time. “One large, well-conducted trial is much better than numerous poor-quality small trials with limited numbers of participants,” he noted.
While exercise is not a panacea for depression, it represents a powerful and accessible tool for many individuals. As more research emerges, the role of physical activity in mental health management could become increasingly significant, potentially offering relief to millions battling depression worldwide.
