The UBC School of Kinesiology is proud to highlight its contribution to the development of the CSEP Exercise and Depression Specialization, the first credential of its kind globally. This initiative, launched by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), equips qualified exercise professionals with the tools to support individuals living with depression through evidence-based exercise interventions.
The specialization was developed with expertise from UBC Kinesiology faculty, including Dr. Madelaine Gierc (PhD Clinical Psychology) and Dr. Guy Faulkner (PhD Exercise Psychology), both of whom are leaders in the intersection of physical activity and mental health. This training provides exercise professionals with the skills to deliver tailored exercise prescriptions to individuals managing depression, reinforcing exercise’s role as a cornerstone in mental health care.
Dr. Faulkner expressed his enthusiasm for the program:
“Exercise has been recognized in Canada as a stand-alone treatment for depression since 2016. Exercise professionals have a vital role to play in supporting individuals with depression in starting and maintaining exercise habits. This new evidence-based training certification will help instil knowledge, confidence and skills among these key specialists and will bridge the gap between mental health care and exercise science.”
There is robust evidence supporting exercise as an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate depression, standing on par with psychotherapy and medication. The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT), in its 2016 and updated 2024 guidelines, recommends exercise as a first-line treatment for these cases.
The new specialization addresses the growing demand for mental health resources and positions exercise professionals as key contributors to multidisciplinary care. It is particularly relevant for professionals working with:
- Individuals with depression seeking an alternative or complement to traditional treatments.
- Pregnant or postpartum clients, for whom exercise can mitigate perinatal depression risks.
- Clients managing chronic health conditions, including cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, where mental and physical health are interconnected.
This credential aligns with the UBC School of Kinesiology’s commitment to advancing public health and well-being. As Dr. Faulkner emphasized, integrating exercise science into mental health care enables individuals to build resilience, connect with their communities, and thrive.
For more details about the specialization, visit the CSEP website.
Through initiatives like this, UBC Kinesiology and CSEP are leading the way in redefining how exercise professionals contribute to mental health care, fostering healthier individuals and communities.