Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic reviews

Summary: This umbrella review summarized the evidence on the effects of physical activity interventions on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adult populations. The study included 97 systematic reviews comprising 1039 randomized controlled trials and 128,119 participants. The results showed that physical activity had medium effects on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress compared to usual care across all populations. Higher-intensity physical activity was associated with greater improvements in symptoms, and the effectiveness of physical activity interventions diminished with longer-duration interventions. The authors concluded that physical activity is highly beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress in a wide range of adult populations, including those with mental health disorders and chronic diseases, and should be a mainstay approach in their management.

Article: Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic reviews – British Journal of Sports Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)

News Release: Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health – University of South Australia

Commentary from the authors: Exercise is even more effective than counselling or medication for depression. But how much do you need? – The Conversation

Commentary on Twitter

? Effectiveness of #PhysicalActivity for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of #SystematicReviews ??#KeyPoints:
?Higher intensity = greater improvements ?️‍♂️
? Effect diminished with longer duration interventions ?

? https://t.co/UJRRFVz7eG pic.twitter.com/5JT9xEVMsa

— British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) (@BJSM_BMJ) February 19, 2023