It’s now clear just HOW exercise can be a very effective treatment for depression.
It’s too simplistic to say that exercise fires up “feel good” chemicals.
Researchers at University College London have explored how physical exercise alleviates depressive symptoms, presenting new insights in a review article published in Translational Psychiatry.
Depression, the leading cause of disability worldwide, disrupts several brain and psychological processes, including learning and memory.
Aerobic exercise, in particular, has been known to reduce depressive symptoms, but the mechanisms behind this effect have been unclear until now.
The researchers propose that motivation plays a critical role in how exercise reduces depression.
Motivation is crucial for alleviating various symptoms of depression, such as anhedonia (a lack of interest or joy in life’s experiences), low energy and brain fog.
By summarizing research on depression mechanisms in humans and animals, the team found that depression, particularly anhedonia, is linked to elevated inflammation caused by the body’s immune response.
This inflammation is also associated with disrupted dopamine transmission, which affects motivation and the willingness to exert physical or mental effort.
Exercise, on the other hand, reduces inflammation, enhances dopamine function and boosts motivation.
These changes may be key reasons why exercise has an antidepressant effect.
Dr. Emily Hird from the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, the lead author of the study, explains that aerobic exercise’s antidepressant effect has been well-documented through randomized controlled trials.
However, the mechanisms behind this effect are complex and involve various biological and psychological processes.
In addition to reducing inflammation and improving dopamine transmission, exercise also reduces oxidative stress and boosts self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Dr. Hird emphasizes that aerobic activities that make individuals sweaty and out of breath are particularly effective in decreasing inflammation and boosting dopamine transmission.
Shutterstock/Vadim Martynenko
This, in turn, increases the desire to exert effort and generally enhances motivation.
The researchers hope that this new understanding of how exercise reduces depressive symptoms will inform the development of personalized exercise programs as treatment strategies.
To further validate their hypothesis, the researchers recommend large randomized controlled trials to assess exercise’s antidepressant effects while measuring variables like inflammation, dopamine transmission and motivation.
Additionally, they stress the importance of investigating potential barriers to exercise, particularly for people with depression.
Addressing these barriers is crucial, as regular physical activity can alleviate symptoms, improve mood and empower individuals in their recovery journey.
Finding effective strategies to encourage exercise is key to these efforts.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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