Physical activity and depression: Towards understanding the antidepressant mechanisms of physical activity

• Published in: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews Vol. 107; pp. 525 - 539
• Main Authors: Kandola, Aaron, Ashdown-Franks, Garcia, Hendrikse, Joshua, Sabiston, Catherine M., Stubbs, Brendon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2019
• Subjects: Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use; BDNF; Depression; Depression - drug therapy; Depression - psychology; Depressive Disorder - drug therapy; Depressive Disorder - psychology; Exercise; Exercise - psychology; Hippocampus; HPA; Humans; Inflammation; Mental health; Neuronal Plasticity - drug effects; Neuronal Plasticity - physiology; Neuroplasticity; Non-pharmacological; Oxidative stress; Self-efficacy; Self-esteem; Social Support; Stress; Neuroplasticity; Oxidative stress; BDNF; Mental health; Depression; Inflammation; Stress; Exercise; Self-efficacy; HPA; Self-esteem; Non-pharmacological; Hippocampus; Social support

•Engaging in physical activity can reduce depressive symptoms.•Exercise stimulates several neuroplastic processes implicated in depression.•It also reduces inflammation and increases resilience to oxidative and physiological stress.•Exercise promotes self-esteem, social support and self-efficacy.•Un...