“Motivation: The New Theory Behind The Positive Relationship Between Exercise And Decreased Depression”

A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) provides a new explanation for the link between exercise and reduced depression. The study, published in July, suggests that exercise may have anti-depressive effects by reducing brain inflammation and fostering motivation.

The lead author of the study, Emily Hird, who holds a doctorate in cognitive neuroscience and works as a research fellow at UCL, points out that previous randomized trials have demonstrated the positive impact of aerobic exercise. However, the specific biological and psychological mechanisms underlying this effect are not yet fully understood.

Various studies indicate that physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, enhances dopamine transmission. This suggests that exercise could serve as a potentially valuable alternative method to boost dopamine levels and increase motivation in individuals suffering from depression.

The researchers highlight exercise as a suitable early intervention for depression due to its cost-effectiveness. Additionally, exercise can have beneficial effects on physical health conditions, such as obesity, which are closely linked to depression. Moreover, exercise improves self-esteem and helps to reduce stress.

Dr. Karl Benzio, a psychiatrist and the medical director of a Florida residential treatment center, emphasizes that exercise can play a key role in the treatment plan for mild and some moderate cases of depression.

Benzio explains that exercise releases dopamine and adrenaline, chemicals that create uplifting feelings. Furthermore, exercise significantly improves blood circulation to the brain, supplying it with oxygen and essential nutrients while eliminating waste products, thus detoxifying the brain.

Moreover, exercise allows individuals to temporarily escape from stressors and be present in the moment, providing relief from emotional burdens. Benzio suggests that even a 30-minute walk outdoors can be beneficial in this regard.

The UCL researchers stress the need for large-scale, randomized controlled trials to better understand the physiological explanations behind the antidepressant effect of exercise.

“We need to address all three spheres: spirit, mind, and body,” says Benzio. “When you address the physical aspect through exercise, it starts to provide motivation and stimulates the brain’s healing process, enabling clearer thinking for the patient.”

Benzio acknowledges that depression is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors. While exercise can be beneficial, it should not be viewed as the sole remedy, especially for severe cases. He suggests that biological elements play a significant role in psychiatric depression, and exercise’s benefits lie in the release of endorphins, the chemicals responsible for feelings of euphoria commonly referred to as the “runner’s high.”