Exercise as a treatment for depression

Exercise effectively treats depression and may decrease suicide attempts

A 2023 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that supervised, group or non-group, moderate- or vigorous-intensity, aerobic or resistance exercises (excluding mind–body activities such as yoga) decreased depressive symptoms among participants with depression, with a number needed to treat of 2 and an effectiveness comparable to first-line treatments such as psychotherapy and medication. Another 2023 meta-analysis of RCTs found that exercise decreased suicide attempts among people with mental or physical illness.