Exercise as a core treatment for depression: an umbrella review synthesizing evidence on efficacy, modality, dose–response, and sustainability

Depression is a major cause of global disability where conventional pharmacological treatments can be limited by side effects and high relapse rates. To evaluate exercise as an effective nonpharmacological alternative, this umbrella review synthesized systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between two thousand ten and two thousand twenty-five to evaluate aerobic, resistance, and mind body interventions for unipolar depression. The findings show that regular exercise yields reductions in depressive symptoms comparable to standard antidepressant treatments, with optimal results occurring at three to five moderates to vigorous sessions per week lasting forty-five to sixty minutes. While physical activity consistently improves mood, long term benefits depend on sustained participation, highlighting the importance of adherence, social connection, and intrinsic motivation in preventing relapses.