Outdoor swimming impact on depression studied after initial trial success

The project will host swimming sessions across England

A study into whether outdoor swimming can reduce symptoms of depression has been launched.

Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are seeking hundreds of people to take part in the study.

The project will host swimming sessions across England, including in Brighton, Bristol and Manchester.

It comes after the first clinical trial into possible benefits for adults with depression was completed last year.

Dr Heather Massey, who is co-leading the new study, said the initial trial results were "really promising".

Researchers are are seeking hundreds of people to take part in the study

The University of Portsmouth senior lecturer said: "We reported reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety in the outdoor swimming group compared with the control group, and there was a lower number of them seeking depression-specific therapy post-treatment and at follow-up.

"Our next task is to see if a full-scale randomised control trial produces similar results. If we can demonstrate outdoor swimming is a viable and cost-effective treatment for depression, it has the potential to be rolled out across the UK."

The new study, called Outside, will take place at 15 sites across England.

Researchers will monitor whether the activity leads to a reduction in depressive symptoms and anxiety for up to 38 weeks following the trial.

Clara Strauss, research deputy director at Sussex Partnership, said: "This is the first large trial of its kind that will tell us if outdoor swimming is helpful for people living with depression."

"If it is, this could increase the range of options available to people as they find their path to recovery."

Anyone interested in taking part in the study can find out more information on the project's website.

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