Something as simple as
going for a brisk stroll could play an important role in fighting
depression, according to researchers in Scotland.
Vigorous exercise has already been shown to alleviate
symptoms of depression, but the effect of less strenuous activities was
unclear.
A study in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity showed walking had a "large effect" on depression.
One in 10 people may have depression at some point in their lives.
The condition can be treated with drugs, but exercise is commonly prescribed by doctors for mild symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Stirling scoured academic
studies to find data on one of the mildest forms of exercise - walking.
They found eight studies, on a total of 341 patients, which fitted the bill.
Therapy
The report's authors showed "walking was an effective
intervention for depression" and had an effect similar to other more
vigorous forms of exercise.
They said: "Walking has the
advantages of being easily undertaken by most people, incurring little
or no financial cost and being relatively easy to incorporate into daily
living."
However, they cautioned that much more research needed to be
done. There are still questions over how long, how fast and whether
walking should take place indoors or outdoors.
Prof Adrian Taylor, who studies the effects of exercise on
depression, addiction and stress at the University of Exeter, told the
BBC: "The beauty of walking is that everybody does it."
He added: "There are benefits for a mental-health condition like depression."
How any form of exercise helps with depression is unclear.
Prof Taylor said there were ideas about exercise being a distraction
from worries, giving a sense of control and releasing "feel-good"
hormones.
The mental-health charity Mind said its own research found that spending time outdoors helped people's mental health.
Its chief executive, Paul Farmer, said: "To get the most from
outdoor activities it's important to find a type of exercise you love
and can stick at. Try different things, be it walking, cycling,
gardening or even open-water swimming.
"Exercising with others can have even greater impact, as it
provides an opportunity to strengthen social networks, talk through
problems with others or simply laugh and enjoy a break from family and
work. So ask a friend to join you."
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