How Much Aerobic Exercise Is Enough to Reduce Depression in Patients with Chronic Illness? A Dose–Response Meta-analysis Points to an Achievable Target
A meta-analysis of 36 RCTs (n=2,500) found aerobic exercise significantly reduces depressive symptoms in people with chronic illness (Hedges' g -0.73). A weekly dose of ≈405 MET‑min (≈120–135 min of moderate aerobic activity) reaches a minimally important symptom change.
