The Power of Physical Activity in Treating Depression: Benefits and Barriers

Depression is a global health issue, affecting nearly 300 million people worldwide (Chen et al., 2021). While medications like antidepressants are commonly prescribed, increasing attention is being given to non-pharmaceutical treatments—particularly exercise. Research consistently shows that physical activity can be a powerful tool in reducing the symptoms of depression. However, integrating exercise as a regular part of treatment remains challenging. Despite its potential, healthcare professionals still underutilize it. Instead, exercise is often overshadowed by the more traditional reliance on medication.

Exercise as an Effective Treatment for Depression

Exercise has long been known for its numerous physical benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health and building strength. However, more recent studies have highlighted its mental health benefits as well. Research consistently shows that exercise, whether as a standalone treatment or alongside other therapies, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression.

One area of focus is the effect of exercise on different age groups and health conditions. While a somewhat under-researched group, studies on adolescents show promising results. In an investigation by Philippot et al. (2022), inpatient youths who participated in a structured exercise program showed significant reductions in their depression scores, even though anxiety levels remained largely unchanged. Similarly, in research by Serrander et al. (2021), adolescents with depression reported improvements in mood, motivation, and self-esteem after engaging in regular exercise. Exercise boosted their physical health and provided a sense of empowerment. Exercise can also play a significant role in college students' mental health. Research by Wang et al. (2024) involving 766 university freshmen showed that parental support for exercise was linked to lower levels of depression in these students.

Among adults, the evidence is even stronger. A landmark study by Hidalgo et al. (2019) compared exercise with antidepressant medication in older adults. Over six months, both groups experienced significant reductions in depression symptoms, but the exercise group showed greater long-term improvements. In other words, exercise wasn’t just effective, it offered lasting benefits, particularly in older populations who may be at greater risk of unwanted side effects from medications.

Exercise is also beneficial for individuals managing chronic health conditions. For instance, people with autoimmune diseases, cancer, or heart failure often face additional challenges when it comes to depression. Research has shown that regular exercise can significantly alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in these populations. A study by Ramirez et al. (2017) conducted on patients with autoimmune disorders found that participants who maintained a regular exercise routine had considerably lower depression and anxiety scores than those who did not engage in exercise. Similarly, Tsaloglidou et al. (2019) found that for heart failure patients, moderate-intensity exercise not only improved physical function but also helped reduce depressive symptoms. Aydin et al. (2021) discovered that breast cancer survivors who participated in a 12-week exercise program significantly improved their physical, mental, and emotional health, including a reduced sense of depression. Greer et al. (2017) took particular interest in the influence of exercise on people with cognitive disorders. They concluded that exercise was beneficial for those struggling with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and suggested that physical activity could help counter cognitive decline.

The Barriers to Exercise as a Depression Treatment

Despite the evidence supporting exercise as an effective treatment for depression, many individuals struggle to adopt physical activity as part of their mental health care. Several key barriers hinder the widespread use of exercise in clinical settings.

1.     Lack of Patient Motivation: For many people dealing with depression, the very idea of exercising can feel overwhelming. Depression often leads to low energy levels, feelings of hopelessness, and a lack of motivation. This can make it difficult for individuals to begin or sustain an exercise program, even if they’re aware of the potential benefits (Schuch & Vancampfort, 2019).

2.     Time and Access: Other common barriers include time constraints and limited access to exercise facilities. For some individuals, the logistics of finding time to exercise in their busy schedules can be a major challenge. In addition, those who live in areas without easy access to gyms or safe outdoor spaces may find it challenging to engage in regular physical activity (Schuch & Vancampfort, 2019; Chen et al., 2021).

3.     Lack of Standardized Guidelines: One major hurdle in prescribing exercise is the absence of clear, standardized guidelines for what constitutes an effective exercise prescription. While many healthcare providers are well-versed in prescribing medications, there is no universally accepted "dose" of exercise—such as the type, frequency, and intensity of activity—necessary to treat depression effectively. Without clear guidance, clinicians may feel unsure about how to incorporate exercise into treatment plans.

4.     Stigma and Lack of Education: Another issue is the stigma surrounding mental health and physical activity. Many individuals with depression may not even consider exercise as part of their treatment plan, either because they’re unaware of its benefits or because they feel embarrassed to engage in a physical activity that they associate with well-being. Moreover, healthcare providers may not always emphasize exercise as a viable option, leaving patients with limited information on its potential advantages (Schuch & Vancampfort, 2019; Hidalgo et al., 2019).

Practical Strategies for Overcoming Barriers

So, how can we overcome these obstacles and make exercise more accessible and integral to treating depression? A few strategies could help both healthcare professionals and patients:

• Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about the mental health benefits of exercise is critical. Healthcare providers should emphasize the positive impact of physical activity on mental health during consultations and provide resources or referrals to exercise programs (Schuch & Vancampfort, 2019).

• Small, Achievable Goals: For patients struggling with depression, it’s essential to start small. Beginning with short, manageable bouts of exercise—like walking or stretching—can help individuals ease into a routine without feeling overwhelmed. Gradually increasing the duration and intensity over time can build confidence and increase adherence (Serrander et al., 2021).

• Social Support: Group exercises can be particularly beneficial for those with depression. Studies show that training in a group setting or with a partner can enhance motivation, improve mood, and provide a sense of community. Encouraging social support systems—whether through fitness classes or peer groups—can make a big difference (Philippot et al., 2022).

• Leverage Technology: The rise of digital health tools—such as fitness trackers and mobile apps—can help patients monitor their progress and stay engaged with their routines. These tools can also help healthcare providers remotely track a patient’s activity levels, adjust their exercise plans, and offer regular feedback. Technology can make exercise more accessible, especially for people with busy schedules or those who don’t have easy access to gyms (Chen et al., 2021).

Exercise is a proven and powerful tool for managing depression, with benefits across various populations—from adolescents to older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions. Yet, despite this compelling evidence, exercise remains underutilized as a treatment for depression due to a variety of barriers, including lack of motivation, time, and access, as well as the absence of standardized exercise prescriptions.

To make exercise a more integral part of depression treatment, healthcare providers must prioritize patient education, create realistic exercise prescriptions, and encourage social support and technological tools to enhance engagement. With these changes, exercise can become a mainstream, cost-effective alternative to medication, offering individuals a sustainable way to improve both their physical and mental health.

References

1.     Aydin, M., Kose, E., Odabas, I., Bingul, B., Demirci, D., & Aydin, Z. (2021). The effect of

exercise on life quality and depression levels of breast cancer patients. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 22(3), 725-732. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2021.22.3.725.

2.     Chen, C., Beaunoyer, E., Guitton, M., & Wang, J. (2021). Physical activity as a clinical

tool against depression: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, 21(5), 132. https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jin2105132.

3.     Greer, T., Furman, J., & Trivedi, M. (2017). Evaluation of the benefits of exercise on

cognition in major depressive disorder. General Hospital Psychiatry, 49, 19-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2017.06.002.

4.     Hidalgo, J., Sotos, J., & DEP-Exercise Group. (2019). Effectiveness of physical exercise

in older adults with mild to moderate depression. Annals of Family Medicine, 19(4), 302-309. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.2670.

5.     Philippot, A., Dubois, V., Lambrechts, K., Grogna, D., Robert, A., Jonckheer, U., Chakib,

W., Beine, A., Bleyenheuft, Y., & De Volder, A. (2022). Impact of physical exercise on depression and anxiety in adolescent inpatients: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 301, 145-153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.011.

6.     Ramirez, F., Nedley, N. & Lee, N. (2017). Exercise and depression in autoimmune patients.

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 139(2), AB214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2016.12.694.

7.     Schuch, F., & Vancampfort, D. (2021). Physical activity, exercise, and mental disorders: it

is time to move on. Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, 43(3), 177–184. https://doi.org/10.47626/2237-6089-2021-0237.

8.     Serrander, M., Bremander, A., Jarbin, H., & Larsson, I. (2021). Joy of living through exercise

- a qualitative study of clinically referred adolescents’ experiences of moderate to vigorous exercise as treatment for depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 75(8), 574–581. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2021.1909128.

9.     Tsaloglidou, A., Koukourikos, K., Savvidis, A., & Kourkouta, L. (2019). Heart failure,

depression and exercise. Mental Health: Global Challenges Journal, 2(2), 26–30. https://doi.org/10.32437/MHGCJ-2019(2).54.

10.  Wang, C., Lup, Y., Hanse, L., & Zhang, G. (2024). The relationship between parental support for exercise and depression: The mediating effects of physical exercise and physical self-esteem. PLoS One, 19(6). DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0304977.