How exercise compares to therapy and medication
Researchers at the University of Lancashire analysed 73 studies involving nearly 5,000 adults with depression. Their review found that exercise leads to moderate reductions in depressive symptoms compared to no treatment. When compared to psychological therapy, exercise produced similar improvements, based on moderate certainty evidence from ten trials. Comparisons with antidepressants also suggested comparable effects, though the evidence was less certain.
“Our findings suggest that exercise appears to be a safe and accessible option for helping to manage symptoms of depression,” said Professor Andrew Clegg, lead author of the review. “This suggests that exercise works well for some people, but not for everyone, and finding approaches that individuals are willing and able to maintain is important.”
What types of exercise work best?
The review revealed that light to moderate intensity activities may be more beneficial than vigorous workouts. The greatest improvements in depressive symptoms were linked to completing between 13 and 36 exercise sessions. While no single form of exercise clearly outperformed others, programmes combining different activities and resistance training appeared more effective than aerobic exercise alone.
Cycling fits well within these findings. It is adaptable, allowing riders to adjust intensity and duration to suit their needs. Whether it is a daily commute, a weekend group ride or an indoor cycling session, the mental health benefits are clear.
Safety and long-term benefits
Reported side effects from exercise were uncommon. People in exercise programmes occasionally experienced muscle or joint injuries, while those taking antidepressants reported issues such as fatigue and gastrointestinal problems. The review noted that few studies tracked participants after treatment ended, leaving the long-term impact of exercise on depression unclear.
“Although we’ve added more trials in this update, the findings are similar,” said Professor Clegg. “Exercise can help people with depression, but if we want to find which types work best, for whom, and whether the benefits last over time, we still need larger, high-quality studies.”
Why the findings remain cautious
Despite the promising results, the review’s authors emphasise the need for caution. Many of the included studies were small, often involving fewer than 100 participants, which makes it harder to draw firm conclusions. The call for larger, more rigorous trials is clear, but the current evidence is strong enough to recommend exercise as a viable option for managing depression.
What this means for cyclists
The Cochrane Review provides compelling evidence that exercise, including cycling, can be a powerful tool in managing depression. While more research is needed to refine recommendations, the message is clear. Staying active can help improve your mood. So, the next time you head out for a ride, remember that you are not just cycling for your body, but for your mind as well.
