Optimal Exercise Dose for Depression in Older Adults: Network Meta-Analysis
What’s the best exercise for depression in older adults?
Walking is the most effective exercise type for alleviating depressive symptoms in older adults, with aerobic exercise showing optimal benefits at approximately 5.5 hours per week of moderate-intensity activity. A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 47 randomized controlled trials with 2,895 participants published in BMC Geriatrics found that walking, aerobic exercise, yoga, qigong, resistance training, and tai chi all significantly improve depression, with walking ranking first in effectiveness.