Story perspectives

Exercise Reduces Depression Symptoms as Effectively as Therapy

1/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Cochrane review finds that exercise reduces depression symptoms to levels comparable to therapy and antidepressants, based on 73 trials and nearly 5,000 participants.
Light to moderate exercise appears especially beneficial.
Andrew Clegg, lead author of the Cochrane review, calls for more research to identify effective exercise types and long-term benefits, noting that exercise adds value to depression treatment options and may enhance outcomes when combined with other treatments.

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Story summary

The Cochrane review finds that exercise reduces depression symptoms to levels comparable to therapy and antidepressants, based on 73 trials and nearly 5,000 participants.
Light to moderate exercise appears especially beneficial.
Andrew Clegg, lead author of the Cochrane review, calls for more research to identify effective exercise types and long-term benefits, noting that exercise adds value to depression treatment options and may enhance outcomes when combined with other treatments.