Researchers at University College London studied the mechanisms that occur in the brain and body during exercise, which can alleviate symptoms of depression. Depression is linked to brain and psychological disorders, including impaired learning and memory. It has been shown that physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, reduces symptoms of depression, but the mechanism behind this remains somewhat unclear.
In this context, the researchers proposed a new hypothesis to understand the anti-depressive effects resulting from exercise. The research team believes that the process may depend on motivation, which is critical for alleviating symptoms of depression, such as anhedonia, low energy, and "brain fog." The team reviewed research papers that "explored the mechanisms of depression in both humans and animals," concluding that depression is associated with elevated inflammation (resulting from the body's immune response) and disrupts dopamine transfer (the happiness hormone). These biological changes may represent key processes leading to changes in motivation, particularly a decreased desire to exert physical or mental effort.
At the same time, exercise reduces inflammation and enhances dopamine function, thus stimulating motivation. The researchers believe that this may be an important reason for the anti-depressive effects of exercise. The lead author, Emily Herd, from the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, stated, "The anti-depressive effect of aerobic exercise has been convincingly demonstrated through randomized controlled trials, but its mechanism is not well understood. This is partly due to it involving a variety of biological and psychological processes. For instance, in addition to its positive effects on inflammation and dopamine, exercise also reduces oxidative stress and improves self-esteem and self-efficacy."
She added, "However, we propose that exercise reduces inflammation and enhances dopamine transfer, which in turn increases the desire for effort, thereby enhancing overall motivation." The team hopes that the findings will help develop new therapeutic strategies for depression, such as personalized exercise programs.
