Why Movement Should Be Treated Like a Drug

Three Canadian psychiatrists argue that physicians need to prescribe physical activity with the same rigor as any medication. A casual suggestion to "move more" is no longer sufficient. The scientific literature linking exercise to brain health, mood regulation, and cognitive resilience is robust enough to merit formal prescription.

How Exercise Talks to the Brain

When muscles contract they release signaling molecules that travel through the bloodstream to the brain. These messengers influence pathways involved in memory, emotional balance, and neuroplasticity. A landmark 2011 study demonstrated that regular walking can stimulate growth in the hippocampus – the region essential for forming new memories. In addition, physical activity improves sleep quality and reinforces the belief that one is capable of change, both of which further protect mental well‑being.

Neurobiological Benefits in Plain Language

According to Erik Scherder, a professor of clinical neuropsychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, exercise leads to more synapses, a higher count of neurons, increased vascularisation, and better cerebral blood flow. In short, the brain becomes more wired, nourished, and adaptable.

Exercise vs. Antidepressants: The Evidence

Controlled trials consistently show that activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, and resistance training reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The effect size grows with intensity, yet even modest amounts – roughly 75 minutes of moderate activity per week, half the WHO recommendation – can produce measurable mood improvements.

Brenda Penninx, a psychiatry professor at Amsterdam UMC, notes that meta‑analyses reveal exercise can be as effective as antidepressants. Her own MOTAR study directly compared the two interventions in patients with major depressive disorder and found comparable reductions in depressive scores after just two sessions of moderate‑intensity running per week. The key, she stresses, is consistency.

What About Dementia?

The link between physical activity and lower dementia risk is less definitive. Most data come from observational studies, which cannot fully rule out confounding lifestyle factors. Nevertheless, an active lifestyle – combined with cognitive challenges – is widely regarded as one of the modifiable factors that can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Designing a Real Prescription

A proper exercise prescription mirrors a drug order: specify the activity, frequency, intensity, and duration, and include safety instructions and follow‑up appointments. For patients battling depression, the first step should be tiny – five minutes of strolling, chair‑based exercises, or walking a dog. Each subsequent step builds on the previous one, embodying the mantra “every step counts.”

Motivation can be a major barrier. Penninx recommends pairing the patient with a therapist or coach who can provide encouragement, monitor progress, and adjust the regimen as fitness improves.

Beyond Depression: Schizophrenia and Other Conditions

The authors also call attention to the potential of structured movement for individuals with schizophrenia, suggesting that tailored physical‑activity programs could complement pharmacological treatment and improve overall functioning.

In summary, the convergence of neurobiological, psychological, and epidemiological evidence makes a compelling case for clinicians to write exercise into every treatment plan. By treating movement as a prescription, doctors can harness a low‑cost, low‑side‑effect tool that empowers patients to take an active role in their own recovery.

Source: https://scientias.nl/waarom-artsen-beweging-als-medicijn-moeten-voorschrijven-elke-stap-telt/