Volume 30, Issue 173, July 2026

Resistance Training in Patients with Depression- Review of Literature

Kacper Paczosa^1♦, Katarzyna Jucha², Karol Piotrowski¹, Małgorzata Jerczak¹, Tomasz Pluszyński¹, Iga Piórkowska¹, Mikołaj Polewka¹, Aleksandra Polańska¹, Filip Przybył¹, Natalia Padula¹

¹Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
²Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Kacper Paczosa, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland

ABSTRACT

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental diseases. It is estimated that this disease affects 4.4% of the world's population. Resistance training, which develops muscular strength and endurance, may serve as a supportive component in its treatment. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of resistance exercises on alleviating depressive symptoms in patients of different age groups, diverse backgrounds, and varying health statuses. Material and methods: A literature review was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify publications investigating the effects of resistance training on alleviating depressive symptoms in humans. Outcomes were assessed, among others, using the Hamilton Rating Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: The results were consistent - resistance exercises have a beneficial effect on the treatment of depression, reducing its symptoms (such as sadness and low mood) and improving quality of life. Conclusions: Resistance training may serve as an adjunctive treatment for individuals suffering from depression, reducing the symptoms of the disorder.

Keywords: depression, resistance exercise, physical activity, mental health, strength training, resistance training

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e126ms3925

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Published: 18 July 2026