Exercise Equally Effective as Other Depression Therapies? 2026 Study Investigates

A new study found that exercise can be just as effective at treating depression as talking therapies, antidepressants, and other methods.

The Cochrane Library originally investigated the subject back in 2013. To kick off 2026, the organization published an updated review — claiming it “[almost] doubles the evidence base” of the prior study.

Andrew Clegg at the University of Lancashire in the UK and his colleagues analyzed results from 69 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 5,000 adults who were either clinically diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe depression. The researchers found that light or moderate exercise seemed to be more effective than vigorous workouts.

“They found a clinically meaningful change — people will feel the difference from that,” Brendon Stubbs, a NIHR Advanced Fellow at King’s College London who wasn’t involved in the review, told New Scientist.

“Whether it be running, [going to the] gym, pilates, [or] yoga, these all have various beneficial effects — the most important thing is empowering people to do something they enjoy.”

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• Health Canada Approves Pill Capable of Treating Postpartum Depression

Disability Benefits for Depression in Canada

Depression can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties.

For Canadians who can’t work due to this debilitating mood disorder, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving cancer — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

SEE ALSO
• Medical Conditions that Qualify for Disability in Canada
• Denied LTD? Seek Legal Advice Before Appealing the Decision
• Canada Post Worker Denied LTD During Cancer Battle
• Pocket Disability Lawyer: Real-Time Insights on Your Rights

📺 WATCH: Next Steps for Canadians After a Disability Claim is Denied

Claim Denied? Contact Us

If your insurance company prevented you from accessing disability benefits for depression, or another medical condition, connect with an experienced disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our compassionate team regularly resolves issues involving STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance, and mortgage insurance claims.

We’ve helped countless Canadians secure the compensation they’re owed. Contact us today for a FREE disability consultation.