How this page evolved

Every published version is kept. Each entry shows what changed and why. Earlier versions can be restored by moderators, but only if the material they rely on is still available.

1. Revision 5Oct 4, 2026, 8:33 AMLiveAI-organised, reviewed

   Added two newer sources: a 2022 meta-analysis of exercise for adolescent depression (SMD -0.64) and a 2023 meta-analysis of exercise versus medication in adults with major depressive disorder that found no statistically significant difference between groups. Added a 2026 prospective cohort on vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) and depression risk (HR 0.86).

   • · The main finding was rewritten.
   • · Updated “How large is the effect?”.
   • · Updated “Which kinds of exercise work best?”.
   • · Added section “How does exercise compare with medication?”.
   • · Added section “Do brief bursts of daily movement count?”.
   • · Updated “Who benefits?”.
   • · 4 new sources cited.
   • · The note on uncertainty changed.
   • · The key takeaways were revised.
   • · 2 new pieces of guidance for specific situations.
   • · 1 new open question.
2. Revision 4Sep 30, 2026, 6:50 PM

   Copy edit: capitalisation in the guidance.

   • · Minor wording changes.
3. Revision 3Sep 30, 2026, 6:49 PMAI-organised, reviewed

   Initial Starting Map on exercise for depression, built from two major evidence syntheses: a 2024 network meta-analysis of 218 trials and a 2023 overview of 97 reviews. Covers overall effect size, which exercise types perform best, dose-response, tolerability, and who benefits.

   • · First published version.