Exercise for depression: some benefits but better trials are needed

Exercise may benefit people suffering from depression, according to an updated systematic review published in The Cochrane Library.  The authors of the review found evidence to suggest that exercise reduces symptoms of depression, although they say more high quality trials are needed.  Worldwide, more than 120 million people suffer from depression. Antidepressants and psychological therapies are recommended as effective treatments for depression. But antidepressants have side-effects and some people prefer not to receive, or may not have access to, psychological therapies.  Physical exercise is also used as a treatment for depression. There are a number of reasons why it might