Weightlifting and resistance training could be as effective as taking antidepressants in warding off depression and mental health problems, Irish scientists have found. A study of 1,877 people carried out through 33 clinical trials has found resistance training is comparable to “frontline treatments” such as antidepressants and behavioural therapies for people suffering from depression. “Strength or resistance training can also be carried out alongside the other therapies,” he adds. The positive effects of resistance exercise training on participants’ mental health did not increase the more sessions they took part in and researchers noted that further research is needed to “explore the optimal resistance exercise training routine” for dealing with depression. “Importantly, resistance exercise training does not have the negative side effects often associated with other treatments, and it can be lower cost,” the report states.

Source: The Irish Times May 24, 2018 14:37 UTC