New study counters claim that exercise can ease depression

EXERCISE may not be the answer to relieving symptoms of depression, according to a new study by Bristol researchers.

The latest research, published in the BMJ, goes against current clinical guidance which suggests using physical activity as part of a patient's care.

The Bristol University and Exeter and Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry study – which was the largest of its kind – found that exercise did not reduce symptoms of depression any more than usual care alone. But they did find that it increased levels of physical activity in patients.

Depression is one of the most common reasons people go to see their GP and affects one in six adults in Britain at any one time.

Previously most of the evidence that suggested physical activity had a positive effect in treating depression came from studies of small, non-clinical samples using measures that would not be practical in an NHS setting.

The Tread study was the first large-scale, randomised controlled trial to establish whether exercise should be used in primary health care to help treat adults with depression.

Researchers looked at 361 patients aged 18-69 years who had recently been diagnosed with depression.

These participants were then split into two groups to receive either the physical activity intervention in addition to usual care or usual care on its own. They were followed up for 12 months to assess any change in their symptoms.

Melanie Chalder, from University of Bristol's School of Social and Community Medicine, said: "Numerous studies have reported the positive effects of physical activity for people suffering with depression but our intervention was not an effective strategy for reducing symptoms.

"However, it is important to note that increased physical activity is beneficial for people with other medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and, of course, these conditions can affect people with depression."

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