Zhao YL, Sun SY, Qin HC, Zhu YL, Luo ZW, Qian Y, Chen S. Research progress on the mechanism of exercise against depression. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14(11): 1611-1617 [DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i11.1611]
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Ya-Lin Zhao, School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu Province, China
Shu-Ya Sun, Shuo Chen, Department of Sports Medicine, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu Province, China
Hao-Cheng Qin, Yu-Lian Zhu, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
Zhi-Wen Luo, Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
Yuan Qian, Department of Outpatient, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210006, Jiangsu Province, China
Co-first authors: Ya-Lin Zhao and Shu-Ya Sun.
Co-corresponding authors: Zhi-Wen Luo and Shuo Chen.
Author contributions: Zhao YL and Sun SY made equal contributions to the work, conducted the original search and wrote the first draft of the paper; Qin HC and Luo ZW screened the selected articles and contributed to subsequent drafts of the manuscript; Zhu YL designed the outline of the manuscript; Qian Y and Chen S generated the original idea of this study and provided suggestions; Luo ZW, Qian Y, and Chen S contributed equally to this article; all of the authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript to be published.
Supported byNanjing Municipal Sports Bureau Research Bureau Project-Building a Sports Hospital with Chinese Medicine Characteristics to Help Sports-Health Integration, No. NJTY2023-104; and Exploring a New Model of “Integration of Sport and Health”, No. JSYGY-3-2023-506.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Received: March 29, 2024 Revised: September 23, 2024 Accepted: October 21, 2024 Published online: November 19, 2024 Processing time: 223 Days and 6.4 Hours
Abstract
The substantial global health burden of depression encourages the development of innovative and broadly effective interventions. This paper aimed to examine recent advancements by which exercise works as an antidepressant and recommends optimal types and quantity of exercise as supplemental therapies in treating depression. Sedentary behavior and low physical activity significantly influence the onset of depression. Being an effective treatment option, exercise can significantly reduce depression risk. Exercise exerts antidepressant effects as it modulates neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, the immune system, and hormone levels. Effective exercise forms include yoga, strength training, and walking/jogging. Tailored exercise regimens that consider individual preferences and tolerability can improve outcomes. Regular exercise enhances general well-being and reduces depressive symptoms. Additional research is needed to understand the complex basis of exercise's effects on depression. Exercise is a cost-effective and accessible intervention for depression management that needs additional exploration. Thus, customized exercise programs, as per each patient’s needs, are essential for their successful implementation clinically.
Core Tip: In order to fully realize the adjunctive potential of exercise therapy for depression, this study aimed to explore the latest advances in exercise mechanisms in combating depression. We also sought to propose optimal exercise modalities that should be included in treatment plans.
