Study: Physical Activity Reduces Symptoms of Depression, Increases Chances of Recovery

• A new study revealed that physical activity not only helps reduce symptoms of depression but also helps improve the brain’s ability to change and adapt.
• Study participants who participated in an exercise program showcased a reduction in depressive symptoms as well as a significant increase in their brains’ ability to change.
• Researchers explained that physical activity helps promote the formation of neuron connections in the brain, allowing for better learning and adaptation.

Physical activity has long been proven to be good for the body and the brain. But according to a new study, it not only helps reduce symptoms of depression but also helps improve the brain’s ability to change and adapt.

The study was reported by researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum in Germany.

Study leader and associate professor Dr. Karin Rosenkranz shared, “The results show how important seemingly simple things like physical activity are in treating and preventing illnesses such as depression.”

The research team enlisted 41 study participants who were currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. They were then divided into two groups, one of which completed a three-week exercise program while the other took part in a control program without physical activity.

A sports science team at the University of Bielefeld developed the exercise program, which contained fun elements like teamwork, instead of taking the form of a test or competition.

Rosenkranz explained, “This specifically promoted motivation and social togetherness while breaking down a fear of challenges and negative experiences with physical activity—such as school PE lessons.”

People with depression are typically withdrawn and physically inactive, and experience a loss of drive, interest, and motivation, all while dealing with negative feelings.

The research team looked into the severity of these symptoms before and after the program.

They also measured the brain’s ability to change, known as neuroplasticity, with the help of transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Rosenkranz explained, “The ability to change is important for all of the brain’s learning and adaptation processes.”

Compared to healthy people, the brain’s ability to change is lower in people with depression.

Physical activity reduced symptoms and increased neuroplasticity

The researchers found that the group that completed the exercise program showcased a reduction in depressive symptoms as well as a significant increase in their brains’ ability to change, and even reached the same values as healthy people.

Rosenkranz shared that a higher increase in neuroplasticity was accompanied by a clearer reduction in depressive symptoms.

On the other hand, these changes were not as pronounced in the group who took part in no physical activity.

While physical activity indeed had an effect on depressive symptoms and the brain’s ability to change, Rosenkranz clarified that the study did not establish the extent of the causal link.

Rosenkranz added, “It is known that physical activity does the brain good, as it, for instance, promotes the formation of neuron connections. This could certainly also play a role here.”

The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry in June 2021.

Source: Good News Network