Effects of exercise on depression

Depression is a complex mental illness that does not discriminate on age, gender or socioeconomic status, impacting millions of people worldwide. Its manifestations range from persistent feelings of sadness to changes in appetite, sleep problems and chronic fatigue, with symptoms that can range in intensity and duration. This disorder affects not only mood and emotional well-being, but also physical, cognitive and social aspects of the lives of those who suffer from it.

Globally, depression represents an alarming public health challenge. According to the WHO, more than 264 million people are currently living with depression, making it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The impact of depression extends beyond the individuals affected, affecting their families, communities and health systems as well. In addition, it carries a significant economic burden due to the costs associated with medical treatment, loss of work productivity and increased health care expenditures. Thus, addressing depression effectively becomes an urgent priority to improve quality of life and promote mental health worldwide.

The importance of identifying and treating depression lies in its ability to cause profound and prolonged emotional distress, as well as its potential physical and social repercussions. Individuals living with depression may experience difficulties in carrying out daily activities, maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships, and performing at work or school. In addition, depression is closely related to other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and substance abuse. This highlights the need for comprehensive interventions that address both the medical and psychosocial aspects of depression.

To effectively address depression, a variety of treatment options are critical, which may include psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, social support, and lifestyle changes. Research continues to make progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of depression and in developing new therapeutic interventions. In addition, it is crucial to promote public awareness of depression and reduce the associated stigma, which can help encourage help-seeking and access to appropriate treatment resources.

In summary, depression is a serious and common mental illness that affects individuals around the world. Its impact spans emotional, physical, social and economic aspects, underscoring the importance of addressing it in a comprehensive and compassionate manner. With a multidisciplinary approach that includes research, public education and clinical care, we can work toward a world where depression is effectively understood, treated and prevented.

A recent study conducted by the university of jyväskylä.2024, published in Dr. José López Chicharro’s renowned Exercise Philosophy blog, investigated that the goal of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to determine the most effective dose and modality of exercise for treating major depressive disorder, compared to psychotherapy, antidepressants and control conditions.

We reviewed 218 individual studies involving a total of 14,170 participants. Compared to active control groups (such as usual care or placebo), moderate reductions in depression levels were observed associated with activities such as walking or running, yoga, strength training, mixed aerobic exercise, and tai chi or qigong. The efficacy of exercise was shown to be in direct relation to the prescribed intensity. Specifically, strength training and yoga proved to be the best accepted modalities. Although the results appeared robust to publication bias, only one study met the Cochrane criteria for low risk of bias. Thus, confidence according to CINeMA was low for walking or running, and very low for other treatment modalities.

Conclusions: Exercise is revealed as an effective treatment for depression, with walking or running, yoga and strength training standing out as the most effective among other forms of exercise, especially when performed at high intensity. Good tolerance was observed for yoga and strength training compared to other treatments. Furthermore, exercise proved to be equally effective for both people with and without comorbidities, as well as for individuals with varying baseline levels of depression. Therefore, these exercise modalities could be considered as essential components in the treatment of depression, along with psychotherapy and antidepressants.

Technology is also playing a key role in depression care, especially in the field of rehabilitation and physical exercise. Digital platforms such as TRAK-SILVER have been designed to provide rehabilitation services tailored to the needs of older adults, who may also face depression as part of their aging process.

A recent study evaluated the efficacy of TRAK-SILVER in pre-fragile and frail older adults, finding significant improvements in users’ physical and mental health after only 12 weeks of use. In addition, a decrease in depressive symptoms was observed, along with an increase in gait speed and physical functionality.

Integrating exercise and technology in the treatment of depression:

By combining the benefits of exercise with the power of technology, we can offer more comprehensive and personalized interventions for the treatment of depression.

Promoting public awareness of the importance of exercise and technology in the treatment of depression is essential to encourage help-seeking and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. With a multidisciplinary approach that includes research, public education, and clinical care, we can work toward a world where depression is effectively understood, treated, and prevented.

In conclusion, fitness and technology are revolutionizing the treatment of depression, offering new hope and opportunities to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from it. It is time to take advantage of these advances and work together to build a future where mental health is a priority for all.