Physical activity is an ally in combating depression, study shows

Credit: Reproduction X (Twitter) – @pedro_simoes

A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reinforces the importance of physical activity as a complement in the treatment of depression.

Effectiveness and benefits of exercising

The results of the study demonstrate that the effects of exercise are proportional to the prescribed intensity, that is, the greater the intensity, the greater the benefit. The study also found evidence that exercise increases the effects of antidepressant medications, making it an important ally in conventional treatment.

Endocrinologist Guilherme Renke explains that the action of physical activity is related to the increased production of substances such as serotonin and dopamine in the body, which improve the feeling of well-being. In addition, exercise also contributes to the reduction of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Differences between genders and ages

The study also identified differences in the effects of physical activity according to the sex and age of the participants. Among women, strength training and cycling had the greatest effect, while for men, the results were better with yoga, tai chi and aerobic exercises combined with psychotherapy.

For older participants, practicing yoga and aerobic exercise, along with psychotherapy, appeared to be more effective than for younger participants, for whom strength training showed better results.

Which exercise to choose?

Psychiatrist Higor Caldato highlights that the most important thing is for depressed patients to remain active, as even less intense exercise can be beneficial.

“We still have little consensus on what the best exercise is,” says Caldato. “Recent studies suggest that more vigorous exercise, such as strength training, may be more interesting because it releases more endorphins, but others show that aerobic exercise is excellent because it allows better blood flow to the brain.”

The specialist’s recommendation is that the patient consult a professional to determine the best modality, intensity and frequency of practice according to their individual needs.

Conclusion

The study reinforces the importance of physical activity as an important complement in the treatment of depression. Regular exercise can bring benefits to people of all ages and genders, contributing to improved mental health and quality of life.