A comprehensive review by the Cochrane organization reveals that regular exercise can alleviate depression with a level of effectiveness comparable to psychological therapy. Published on January 8, 2026, the findings suggest that engaging in light to moderate physical activity may serve as a viable alternative or complement to traditional mental health treatments.
The review, led by researchers at the University of Lancashire, analyzed data from 73 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 5,000 adults diagnosed with depression. The studies assessed the impact of exercise against no treatment, psychological therapies, and antidepressant medications. Results indicated moderate reductions in depressive symptoms for those participating in exercise programs compared to individuals who received no treatment.
When comparing exercise to psychological therapy, the evidence showed similar improvements, supported by moderate certainty from ten trials. The comparison with antidepressant medication presented comparable effects; however, the data was deemed less reliable due to lower certainty surrounding the findings.
Depression continues to be a significant global health concern, affecting over 280 million people worldwide. This condition contributes to considerable disability and poses challenges for both patients and healthcare systems. Exercise stands out as a low-cost, accessible solution that not only aids mental health but also promotes physical well-being.
Insights from the Cochrane Review
The updated review builds on previous findings published in 2008 and 2013. Although this analysis added 35 new trials, the overall conclusions remained largely unchanged. The studies primarily involved small groups, often with fewer than 100 participants, complicating definitive conclusions.
Professor Andrew Clegg, lead author of the review, remarked, “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.”
The review indicates that light to moderate intensity activities yield the best outcomes. The most significant improvements in depressive symptoms were associated with completing between 13 and 36 exercise sessions. While no single form of exercise was found to outperform others, programs combining different activities and resistance training were noted as being particularly effective. Notably, certain activities like yoga, qigong, and stretching were not included in this analysis, highlighting areas for future research.
Safety and Long-Term Effects
Reported side effects from exercise programs were generally minimal, with participants occasionally experiencing muscle or joint injuries. In contrast, those taking antidepressants often reported common medication-related issues such as fatigue and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Despite the promising results, the long-term impact of exercise on depression remains uncertain due to a lack of follow-up studies. The review emphasizes the need for larger, higher-quality trials to determine the most effective exercise types and their sustainability over time.
In summary, while exercise shows considerable potential as a treatment for depression, further research is essential to optimize its application and understand its long-term benefits.
