Br J Sports Med

Exercise cuts depression and anxiety symptoms, umbrella review finds

February 12, 2026

A review of 81 meta‑analyses encompassing 1,079 randomized trials and 79,551 participants found that exercise was associated with reduced symptoms of depression (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.69 to −0.54) and anxiety (SMD, −0.47, 95% CI, −0.59 to −0.36). Aerobic exercise showed the strongest associations with symptom reductions for both conditions. Younger adults (18–30 years) and postnatal women experienced the largest reductions in depression symptoms. Group‑based and supervised exercise settings were associated with greater reductions in depression, while shorter and lower‑intensity exercise formats were most associated with reduced anxiety symptoms.

Clinical takeaway: Recommend exercise—particularly aerobic activities—as a practical, evidence-based adjunct or alternative to medication and psychotherapy for patients with depression or anxiety, tailoring intensity and format (e.g., group vs. individual) to patient preference and symptom profile.

Source:

Munro NR, et al. (2026, February 10). Br J Sports Med. Effect of exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms: systematic umbrella review with meta-meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41667154/