A 10 Years Update of Effects of Exercise on Depression Disorders – in otherwise healthy adults: A Systematic Review of Meta-Analyses and Neurobiological Mechanisms
medRxiv – August 28, 2024
Source: medRxiv/bioRxiv/arXiv
Summary
Regular exercise can significantly alleviate depression symptoms in healthy adults. This review highlights that physical activity not only improves mood but also fosters neurobiological changes that support mental well-being. With compelling evidence backing its effectiveness, exercise emerges as a powerful alternative treatment for depression.
Abstract
Background Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide and is a major burden for those affected. As conventional therapies do not always work and are also associated with side effects, alternative treatment methods are urgently indicated. In the past, exercise has established itself as a seemingly good alternative treatment method. The aim of this work is to provide a state of the art review and to check whether there are new findings since the publication of the article by Wegner et al. [1].