There is a general saying that in a healthy body, resides a healthy mind. Many health experts adjudicate that people suffering from depression should undergo physical activity. This would lift the clinical depression. But a recent British Study of almost 300 people has suggested the contrary. It found no evidence that exercising brought significant benefit to those assigned to a physical activity programme.

The study was conducted by the researchers from Bristol University and the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at Exeter University. Out of 300 people, they formed two different groups. One was given the usual care which involved anti-depressants, while others were put on a physical education programme as well.

The main aim of this study was to state that there is a need for an individually tailored support and encouragement for those suffering from depression. The study went on for over eight months, during which, the participants were made to meet PE trainers three times face-to-face and had 10 telephone calls with them. At the end of the year, the researchers found that those who were assigned to the exercise programme were slightly less depressed than those on usual care alone. But this difference was very minimal and not large enough to be statistically valid.