Prime Highlights:
- Aerobic exercise, especially in group settings, can act as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, offering benefits comparable to traditional therapies.
- Young adults and new mothers show the greatest improvements, highlighting the importance of social interaction in exercise programs.
Key Facts:
- The study analyzed 63 published reviews involving nearly 80,000 participants, covering aerobic workouts, resistance training, yoga, and mind-body exercises.
- Aerobic exercises that increase heart rate had the strongest impact on reducing depressive symptoms, while group activities amplified mental health benefits.
Background:
Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming, or dancing could serve as a frontline treatment for mild depression and anxiety, new research suggests. The study highlights that exercising in groups may offer the greatest mental health benefits, combining physical activity with social interaction.
Researchers analysed data from 63 published reviews covering nearly 80,000 participants of all ages, including pregnant women and new mothers. The exercises examined ranged from aerobic workouts and resistance training to mind-body activities like yoga and tai chi.
The findings indicate that aerobic activities that raise the heart rate had the most significant effect on reducing depression, while resistance training and yoga produced moderate improvements. Anxiety levels were also positively influenced, although the impact was generally smaller than for depression.
Neil Munro, a psychologist at James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, said, “Exercise can have a similar effect, and sometimes a stronger impact, than traditional treatments. Getting moving, in whatever form works best for each person, can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
The study also found that group exercises or supervised programs amplified benefits, suggesting that social interaction plays an important role in the mental health advantages of exercise. Young adults and new mothers, groups particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, showed the largest improvements.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 280 million people worldwide experience depression, while 301 million live with anxiety disorders. In the UK, cases among 16- to 24-year-olds have risen sharply over the past decade. Approximately 15 to 20% of new mothers also experience depression or anxiety within the first year after childbirth.
Experts caution that while exercise is highly beneficial for mild or subclinical symptoms, it should complement rather than replace established treatments like psychotherapy or medication. Dr Brendon Stubbs of King’s College London emphasized, “For people with mild symptoms, exercise can be a frontline option, but those with severe depression may need professional treatment before engaging in physical activity.”
Prof Michael Bloomfield of UCL added, “Group activities such as Zumba can reduce anxiety and depression through a mix of movement, social connection, and routine. Exercise should be seen as a useful adjunct to existing care, rather than a replacement.”
The study underscores the growing recognition of physical activity as a practical, effective tool in supporting mental health across all age groups.
