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Besides its physical health benefits,
exercise is often said to help people simply feel good. And
a growing number of studies are showing that these mood-boosting
effects may even fight clinical depression.
Researchers
found that walking for 30 minutes each day quickly improved
the patients' symptoms -- faster, in fact, than antidepressant
drugs typically do.
The results indicate that, in selected
patients with major depression, aerobic
training can produce a substantial improvement
in symptoms in a short time.
Previous studies have suggested that exercise
is a potent mood-booster, and some research indicates that
for some patients regular activity may be a better depression
treatment than psychotherapy or medication. Exactly why is
unclear, but exercise does influence certain mood-related
hormones. And it is also believed to enhance people's sense
of control over their lives.
In one study that compared exercise with
antidepressants among older adults, investigators found that
physical activity was the
more effective depression-fighter.
British Journal
of Sports Medicine April 2001;35:114-117
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