In Case You Haven't Heard…

Abstract

Could taking a walk help if you're feeling down? New research in JAMA Network Open says the more steps we take, the less likely we are to feel depressed, WUSF NPR reported Jan. 5. Researchers analyzed 33 studies examining the movements of nearly 100,000 adults using smartphones, pedometers and other fitness trackers. Those who clocked more daily steps were less likely to report depressive symptoms or be diagnosed with the condition than those who walked less. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 91 years old and lived in 13 different countries. Those who logged at least 5,000 or more daily steps were less likely to experience depressive symptoms, with the greatest effect coming for those who logged more than 7,500 steps a day — they were 42% less likely to suffer depressive symptoms. “Studies like these are encouraging because they're not saying that you have to be a marathon runner or go to a really intense class, but you can accumulate the type of movement that's beneficial for your mental health in more gentle ways,” said Karmel Choi, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, who was not involved with the meta-analysis.