Ireland is currently facing a mental health crisis, with a significant number of people struggling with depression. While it is widely acknowledged that exercise can be beneficial for mental health, recent research suggests that certain forms of exercise are more effective than others in treating depression.
A systematic review published in The BMJ, conducted by an international team of researchers, analyzed various types and intensities of exercise to identify the most impactful treatments for individuals with depression. The meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that walking, jogging, yoga, strength training, and dancing were the most effective exercise modalities.
The authors noted that the benefits of exercise were proportional to the intensity prescribed, with vigorous activity being more effective. The benefits were equally effective regardless of weekly dose, comorbidities, or baseline levels of depression.
Another study, published shortly before The BMJ’s review, provides insights into why dance appears to be a highly effective treatment for depression. This comprehensive study involved individuals of varying ages, from seven to 85 years old, including both healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, heart failure, cerebral palsy, and fibromyalgia.
The dance programs analyzed covered a wide range of styles, including theatrical dance, aerobic dance, traditional forms, and social dancing. These programs were compared to various other physical activities, including team sports, martial arts, walking, and weight training. The results indicated that engaging in structured dance, regardless of style, generally showed similar or sometimes greater effectiveness compared to other forms of physical activity.
The study found that dance was particularly beneficial in improving psychological and cognitive outcomes, such as emotional well-being, depression, motivation, social understanding, and certain aspects of memory. The data suggests that dance may offer more benefits than other physical activities in enhancing psychological well-being and cognitive abilities for a few key reasons:
- Learning dance routines could potentially boost cognitive skills.
- Participating in partner or group dances can enrich social interactions.
- The artistic nature of dance may help improve psychological wellness.
While walking or jogging proved effective for both genders, strength training exhibited greater efficacy for women, whereas yoga showed more effectiveness for men.
As Ireland grapples with the mental health crisis, incorporating dance into treatment plans could be a powerful and enjoyable way to combat depression and improve overall well-being. The research highlights the potential of dance to serve as a natural antidepressant, providing both physical and psychological benefits to individuals struggling with mental health challenges.
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