Can Walking More Steps Per Day Help Keep Depression Away?

Medscape January 17, 2025
Edited by Anushree Chaphalkar

TOPLINE:

Walking 7000 or more steps per day is associated with fewer depressive symptoms and a 31% lower risk for depression than taking fewer steps, a new meta-analysis shows.

METHODOLOGY:

• Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 33 observational studies that included more than 96,000 adults aged 18-91 years.
• Data were obtained from 27 cross-sectional and 6 longitudinal studies and from 5 major databases through May 2024.
• Objectively measured daily step counts and depression data were collected via various assessment tools.

TAKEAWAY:

• The number of daily steps had a significant inverse correlation with depressive symptoms in both cross-sectional (correlation coefficient [r], −0.12; 95% CI, −0.20 to −0.04) and panel studies (r, −0.17; 95% CI, −0.28 to...

Today's Sponsors

Today's Sponsor