Exercise types differed in depression outcomes, but rankings need cautious interpretation
A network meta-analysis favored mind-body exercise over aerobic exercise for depressive symptoms, while aerobic exercise ranked higher for acceptability.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Each exercise category showed greater improvement in depressive symptoms than control conditions. Mind-body exercise also outperformed aerobic exercise on the reported standardized symptom measure. However, rankings for symptom improvement and acceptability were different, and the abstract does not provide enough detail to identify a best option for an individual or establish an optimal programme.
The abstract says evidence quality was assessed but does not report the ratings or define acceptability. This abstract-based summary therefore cannot judge confidence in the rankings or translate them into expected individual benefit.
What researchers found
Depressive symptom scores
Mind-body versus aerobic exercise; pooled across trials, with comparison-specific assessment timing unreported. Negative values favor mind-body exercise.
Interpreting the symptom comparison
The standardized mean difference favors mind-body exercise over aerobic exercise, but it is not a percentage reduction in depression. The comparison concerns symptom measurements and does not report the likelihood of remission.
Rankings describe different outcomes
Aerobic exercise ranked highest for acceptability, while mind-body exercise ranked highest for symptom improvement. Those rankings describe different outcomes; ranking percentages should not be read as response rates or chances of recovery.
The original publication
Effect and acceptability of different exercise modes on adult patients with clinically diagnosed depression: a network meta-analysis.
Zhang S, Yang J, Chen J et al.
Sci Rep · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41022903
- Record checked
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