Overview
- The review aggregated 73 randomized trials involving nearly 5,000 adults and found exercise produced a moderate reduction in depressive symptoms versus control conditions.
- Across ten direct comparisons, exercise performed about as well as psychological therapies based on moderate‑certainty evidence.
- Comparisons with antidepressant medication suggested similar effects, though the evidence was limited and rated low certainty.
- Light to moderate activity and mixed or resistance programs were linked to greater improvements than vigorous or aerobic‑only approaches, with 13–36 sessions associated with the best outcomes.
- Reported side effects were uncommon, while small, unblinded trials with limited follow‑up leave long‑term effectiveness and optimal prescriptions uncertain and highlight the need for larger, high‑quality studies.