Physical activity and depression: A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines

IF 3.1 3区医学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY

Mental Health and Physical Activity Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-10-13 DOI:10.1016/j.mhpa.2026.100827

Eliana M. Moreno, Antonio Poyato-Sanz, José Manuel Armada-Crespo

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Abstract

The inclusion of physical exercise in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of depression in adults has come about due to evidence of the benefits of such exercise on the symptoms of depression. However, its use is not widespread amongst professionals due to a lack of resources and even a lack of specific training in this area. In this regard, the aim of this study is to examine the recommendations regarding the use of physical activity (PA) for the treatment of depression in adults, as set out in clinical practice guidelines published by internationally recognised organisations. To this end, a systematic review was carried out using the PRISMA method, in which 14 CPGs were identified and analysed. The results reveal that 10 of the 14 guidelines contain recommendations in favour of using PA as a complementary or adjunct to psychotherapeutic and/or pharmacological treatment, or as monotherapy for mild depression. Recommendations for PA were also found in all 14 guidelines for the different degrees of depression (mild, moderate or severe). Among the effects of PA on depression, a reduction in depressive symptoms and an improvement in general well-being and quality of life are described. In conclusion, this review supports the use of PA for the treatment of depression in the adult population.

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体育活动与抑郁症：临床实践指南的系统回顾

将体育锻炼纳入成人抑郁症治疗的临床实践指南（CPGs）是因为有证据表明这种锻炼对抑郁症的症状有益。然而，由于缺乏资源，甚至缺乏这方面的专门培训，它的使用在专业人员中并不普遍。在这方面，本研究的目的是检查有关使用体育活动（PA）治疗成人抑郁症的建议，如国际公认组织发布的临床实践指南所述。为此，使用PRISMA方法进行了系统评价，其中鉴定和分析了14个cpg。结果显示，14项指南中有10项建议支持使用PA作为心理治疗和/或药物治疗的补充或辅助，或作为轻度抑郁症的单一疗法。针对不同程度的抑郁症（轻度、中度或重度），在所有14份指南中也发现了PA的建议。在PA对抑郁症的影响中，描述了抑郁症状的减少和总体幸福感和生活质量的改善。总之，本综述支持使用PA治疗成人抑郁症。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Mental Health and Physical Activity PSYCHIATRY-

CiteScore

6.70

自引率

6.40%

发文量

审稿时长

32 days

期刊介绍： The aims of Mental Health and Physical Activity will be: (1) to foster the inter-disciplinary development and understanding of the mental health and physical activity field; (2) to develop research designs and methods to advance our understanding; (3) to promote the publication of high quality research on the effects of physical activity (interventions and a single session) on a wide range of dimensions of mental health and psychological well-being (eg, depression, anxiety and stress responses, mood, cognitive functioning and neurological disorders, such as dementia, self-esteem and related constructs, psychological aspects of quality of life among people with physical and mental illness, sleep, addictive disorders, eating disorders), from both efficacy and effectiveness trials;