Use of exercise for the therapeutic management of adults major depressive disorder

The impact of exercise has been the subject of significant work for two to three decades. The results of these studies have enabled national and international comities to issue specific recommendations. Their impact on physical health is now well documented. The effect of physical activity on mental health in general, and for the management of major depressive disorder in particular, is the subject of more recent interest. The purpose of this article is first to carry out a review of the literature on this subject in order to identify the level of evidence of the effectiveness of use of exercise in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Secondly, the known data on the impact of physical exercise on physical health are summarized. Finally, the article provides an update on the regulatory framework for its use in France and the methods of use in current practice by the clinician. (C) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.