A comprehensive review of existing studies indicates that regular exercise can alleviate symptoms of depression to a degree similar to that of psychological therapy. Published on January 8, 2026, the findings from the updated Cochrane Review highlight exercise as a viable alternative to traditional treatment methods, including both therapy and antidepressant medication.
The analysis, conducted by researchers at the University of Lancashire, evaluated data from 73 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 5,000 adults diagnosed with depression. The review compared the effects of exercise against no treatment, psychological therapies, and antidepressants. Overall, it was determined that engaging in light to moderate physical activity could lead to significant reductions in depressive symptoms.
Insights from the Cochrane Review
The review revealed that exercise provided moderate improvements compared to no treatment. When assessing the impact of exercise relative to psychological therapy, the evidence suggested similar benefits, although derived from only ten trials, which provides moderate certainty. Comparatively, while exercise showed encouraging results against antidepressants, the evidence was categorized as low certainty.
Depression, a global health concern, affects over 280 million people worldwide and contributes significantly to disability. The affordability and accessibility of exercise make it an attractive option for both patients and healthcare providers. The review emphasizes that while exercise may not serve as a universal solution, it presents a powerful tool for many individuals seeking to manage their mental health.
Safety and Effectiveness of Exercise
Reported side effects from exercise were minimal, with occasional muscle or joint injuries noted among participants. In contrast, those using antidepressants commonly reported 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.”
The review also identified that light to moderate intensity activities were more effective in improving symptoms than vigorous workouts. Optimal results were associated with completing between 13 and 36 exercise sessions. Though no single form of exercise proved definitively superior, programs that integrated various activities and resistance training were found to be more beneficial than solely aerobic exercises. Activities such as yoga, qigong, and stretching were not included in this analysis, suggesting areas for future investigation.
Despite the promising findings, caution is warranted. This update incorporated 35 new trials since previous versions published in 2008 and 2013, yet the main conclusions remained largely unchanged. Many studies involved small sample sizes, often with fewer than 100 participants, which complicates the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Professor Clegg noted the importance of further research, stating, “Although we’ve added more trials in this update, the findings are similar. Exercise can help people with depression, but if we want to find which types work best, for whom, and whether the benefits last over time, we still need larger, high-quality studies.”
This review highlights the potential of exercise not just as a treatment for depression but as a fundamental element of holistic health management. As the understanding of mental health continues to evolve, integrating exercise into therapeutic approaches could pave the way for more accessible and effective care options.
