A recent review conducted by the Cochrane organization reveals that regular exercise may alleviate symptoms of depression nearly as effectively as psychological therapy. Released on January 8, 2026, the extensive analysis highlights that while exercise offers a low-cost and widely accessible option, it is not a definitive solution for everyone.
The review, led by researchers from the University of Lancashire, evaluated data from 73 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 5,000 adults diagnosed with depression. This comprehensive examination compared the effects of exercise against no treatment, psychological therapies, and antidepressant medications. The findings demonstrated that engaging in light to moderate physical activity resulted in moderate reductions in depressive symptoms compared to no treatment at all.
When pitted against psychological therapy, exercise yielded similar improvements, based on moderate certainty from ten separate trials. The comparison with antidepressant medication suggested comparable benefits, although the evidence supporting this claim was less certain. Despite the promising results, the analysis was hindered by a lack of long-term follow-up, leaving the enduring impact of exercise on depression unclear.
Understanding the Safety and Efficacy of Exercise
Reported side effects linked to exercise were minimal. Participants in exercise programs occasionally suffered from muscle or joint injuries, whereas those taking antidepressants reported common side effects such as fatigue and gastrointestinal disturbances. 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.”
While exercise is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it may be a valuable tool for many individuals. The review indicates that light to moderate intensity activities tend to be more beneficial than vigorous workouts. Notably, the greatest improvements in depressive symptoms were associated with completing between 13 and 36 sessions of exercise.
No specific type of exercise was determined to be superior; however, programs that integrated various activities, including resistance training, seemed to be more effective than aerobic exercises alone. Certain activities such as yoga, qigong, and stretching were not included in this analysis and warrant further investigation.
Challenges in Establishing Definitive Conclusions
This updated review incorporated 35 new trials to previous versions published in 2008 and 2013. Despite expanding the evidence base, the main conclusions remained largely unchanged. Many studies examined were small, often involving fewer than 100 participants, which complicates the ability to draw firm conclusions.
Professor Clegg emphasized the need for larger, high-quality studies, stating, “Although we’ve added more trials in this update, the findings are similar. Exercise can help people with depression, but to determine which types work best, for whom, and whether the benefits endure over time, we still need larger studies. One large, well-conducted trial is much better than numerous small trials with limited participant numbers.”
As depression continues to be a significant global health issue, affecting more than 280 million people worldwide, the potential of exercise as a treatment avenue is an encouraging development. While it should not replace traditional therapeutic methods, integrating physical activity into treatment plans may provide an additional layer of support for those suffering from depression.
