journal · Public research summary
Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Walking or jogging, yoga and strength training reduced depressive symptoms compared with active controls in the included trials.
Educational only. Associations do not establish individual risk or diagnosis. Read the original sources and limitations. Editorial review: 2026-10-06.
Citation
Noetel et al. · BMJ · 2024 · DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-075847
Study design
Evidence synthesis
Population
218 unique studies; 14,170 participants meeting clinical cut-offs for major depression.
Geography
International trial literature
Finding
Walking or jogging, yoga and strength training reduced depressive symptoms compared with active controls in the included trials.
Estimate
Walking/jogging vs active controls: Hedges' g −0.62 (95% credible interval −0.80 to −0.45); a standardised symptom effect, not a risk percentage.
Measured relationship
Exercise intervention → depressive symptoms. This is treatment evidence, not proof of preventing depression or mediation through sleep.
Limitations
Only one study met low-risk-of-bias criteria. Confidence was low for walking/jogging and very low for other treatments; blinding and expectancy effects are difficult.