Study Shows Exercise Is a More Effective Solution for Mental Health Management than Medication

Is exercise a more effective solution for mental health management than medication? According to experts at the University of South Australia, a recent study indicates that physical activity is more effective in treating depression than psychotherapy or leading drugs, with a 1.5 times greater effect.

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Is exercise more effective than medication for mental health?

The review, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, is one of the most extensive to date, and includes 97 reviews, 1039 trials, and 128,119 participants. It has demonstrated that physical activity is highly advantageous in improving symptoms of anxiety, depression, and distress.

The review indicated that exercise interventions lasting 12 weeks or less were the most effective in reducing symptoms of mental health issues, emphasizing the speed at which physical activity can produce results. The largest benefits were observed in people with depression, pregnancy, postpartum women, healthy individuals, and those diagnosed with HIV or kidney disease.

As per the World Health Organization, about one in eight individuals worldwide (equivalent to 970 million people) are affected by mental disorders. Poor mental health is estimated to cost the global economy approximately $2.5 trillion each year, a cost expected to increase to $6 trillion by 2030.

In Australia, approximately one in five people aged 16-85 have experienced a mental disorder in the past year.

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Based on some experts

Some experts did find evidence based on the research (Photo by National Cancer Institute/ Unsplash)

According to Dr. Ben Singh, the lead researcher at UniSA, physical activity needs to be given more priority in managing the increased cases of mental health conditions. Despite the existing evidence, physical activity has not been widely adopted as a primary treatment. Dr. Singh emphasized that their review shows how physical activity interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety across all clinical populations, with some groups experiencing even greater improvements.

Dr. Singh also highlighted that higher-intensity exercises were more effective in improving symptoms of depression and anxiety, while longer durations had smaller effects when compared to short and mid-duration bursts.

The review also found that all types of physical activity, including aerobic exercises like walking, resistance training, Pilates, and yoga, were beneficial.

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The research findings indicate that even a small amount of exercise can have a positive impact on one's mental health. According to Prof Carol Maher, a senior researcher at UniSA, this study is the first to evaluate the effects of all types of physical activity on depression, anxiety, and psychological distress across all adult populations.

Prof Maher believes that examining all the studies collectively can help clinicians easily comprehend the supporting evidence for using physical activity to manage mental health disorders. She hopes that this review will emphasize the importance of physical activity, including structured exercise interventions, as a primary approach to managing depression and anxiety.

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A word from Sportskeeda

Exercise and medication can both be effective treatments for mental wellness, but their effectiveness may depend on the specific mental health condition and the individual's needs.

Research has shown that regular exercise can have a positive impact on mental wellness by reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Exercise can also improve sleep quality, boost self-esteem, and increase social interaction, all of which can improve overall mental well-being.