Research on Physical Activity and Depression: It takes only a little physical activity to make a big difference in depression | JAMA Network

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

We aimed to quantify the lowest dose of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms and major depression status among older adults with and without chronic disease . . .

Significant antidepressant benefits were noted for physical doses below current recommendations for overall health, although greater doses were associated with larger AIRR reductions.

Link: 

Research on Physical Activity and Depression: It takes only a little physical activity to make a big difference in depression | JAMA Network

MoBikeFed comment: Two major results are evident from this large and well designed study:

#1. Moderate to vigorous physical activity can have a large and beneficial effect on depression.

#2. The major new finding here is that a relatively small amount of physical activity is needed to have a noticeable positive effect. More physical activity will help depression even more - but even a little bit helps a lot.