A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by researchers in the USA reveals that exercise reduces depressive symptoms in patients who have a chronic illness and are experiencing mild to moderate depression.
The report was published January 23, 2012 in the Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 172. Researchers reviewed 90 articles published before June 1, 2011 involving 10,534 sedentary patients with chronic illness. Antidepressant effects of exercise were significantly higher for the patients who met recommended physical activity levels.
To read the online abstract, go to www.archinte.ama.assn.org.