A scientific analysis from the University of Lancashire, published by the Cochrane Review, concludes that physical exercise can be as effective as psychological therapy in alleviating symptoms of depression. The research examines 73 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 5,000 patients and offers a low-cost and accessible alternative for the estimated 280 million people worldwide grappling with depression.
The analysis found that exercise has a “moderate impact” on depressive symptoms compared to no treatment. More strikingly, the effect of exercise was similar to that of psychological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, based on what researchers classify as moderate-certainty evidence. Comparisons with antidepressant medication also suggested a similar benefit, though the evidence is less robust. The mechanisms are both biochemical and psychological: exercise promotes the release of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein essential for brain health and resilience.
Optimal exercise parameters
Light to moderate-intensity exercise—activity that raises the heart rate but leaves one able to speak—may be more beneficial and sustainable than exhausting, vigorous training. The optimal “dose” appears to be between 13 and 36 sessions. No single exercise reigns supreme, though programs mixing aerobic activity with resistance training showed a slight edge. The review suggests starting with a “low dose”—a daily walk—and building from there, emphasizing that consistency matters more than intensity.
According to lead researcher Professor Andrew Clegg, while exercise works well for many, it does not work for everyone, and the long-term effects remain unclear due to a lack of extended follow-up studies. A key challenge is that initiating an exercise regimen can feel insurmountable for someone in the depths of depression, where fatigue and apathy are core symptoms. The most prudent path forward is integration rather than replacement: exercise should be considered a first-line treatment option alongside therapy and medication. For some with mild to moderate depression, it may be sufficient as a standalone approach; for others, it can powerfully augment traditional treatments, potentially allowing for lower medication doses or enhancing the benefits of therapy.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-02-01-exercise-as-effective-as-therapies-in-treating-depression.html