Newswise — University of South Australia researchers are calling for exercise to be a mainstay approach for managing depression as a new study shows that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or the leading medications.

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the review is the most comprehensive to date, encompassing 97 reviews, 1039 trials and 128,119 participants. It shows that physical activity is extremely beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distress.

In 2022, the CFA joined the Advisory Board of the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA). The Physical Activity Alliance is the nation’s largest and most inclusive community of physical activity advocates, researchers, academics, and practitioners. The PAA has several key initiatives including developing and implementing a system of measurement that will enable exercise to be prescribed and measured in the healthcare system. You can learn more about the PAA and our efforts by reading their 2022 recap report. Learn more about the PAA HERE.