An umbrella synthesis of dozens of pooled analyses concludes that planned, structured exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety across age groups, with overall effects comparable to—and in some analyses exceeding—medication or talking therapies. The review combined results from tens of thousands of participants in hundreds of trials; see the umbrella review for details.
Type and format matter: aerobic activities (running, swimming, dancing) showed the largest benefits for depression, while resistance and mind–body practices (yoga, tai chi) also produced positive effects. Group-based and supervised programmes yielded the strongest antidepressant effects, and for anxiety the greatest improvements were seen with shorter (up to eight weeks), lower-intensity programmes.
