Rock climbing significantly reduces depression, new research reveals.

Just eight weeks of the sport takes symptoms of the mental health disorder from moderate to mild, a study found.

Researchers believe a combination of the sport's physicality, alongside its social aspect and required concentration eases depression.

Study author Eva-Maria Stelzer, from the University of Arizona, said: 'You have to be mindful and focused on the moment.

'It does not leave much room to let your mind wonder on things that may be going on in your life - you have to focus on not falling.'

Rock climbing significantly reduces depression - taking symptoms from moderate to mild

JUST 12 WEEKS OF TAI CHI COMBATS DEPRESSION Taking part in Tai Chi could help to combat depression, research claims. Going to classes in the ancient Chinese martial art for 12 weeks significantly reduces symptoms of the blues, according to researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital. It can work independently of treatment, suggesting it can scupper the need for antidepressant prescriptions. The findings hold promise amid soaring rates of depression worldwide, with drugs and therapy often proving ineffective. Tai Chi, which has been used for more than 1,000 years, combines deep breathing with slow, gentle movements. Advertisement

Researchers from the University of Arizona analysed more than 100 adults from Germany who were randomly allocated to one of two groups.

One group started bouldering - rock climbing without ropes or harnesses - immediately, while the other waited to start the sport.

Both groups took part in bouldering for three hours a week for a total of eight weeks. Most of the participants were new to the sport.

At various points throughout the study, depression symptoms were investigated using standard assessments.

Results revealed those that starting bouldering immediately experienced more than a six point improvement in their depression score, which took their symptoms from moderate to mild.

Those waiting to start the sport experienced an average improvement of 1.4 points.

The researchers believe the physical aspect of bouldering, combined with its social side and the concentration involved are behind its benefits for the mental health disorder.

Stelzer said: 'Bouldering, in many ways, is a positive physical activity.

'There are different routes for your physical activity level and there's a social aspect, along with the feeling of an immediate accomplishment when bouldering.'

'You have to be mindful and focused on the moment.

'It does not leave much room to let your mind wonder on things that may be going on in your life - you have to focus on not falling.'

The findings were presented at the 29th Association for Psychological Science Annual Convention in Boston.

This comes after researchers from McMaster University found so-called 'good bacteria' in yogurt eases depression.

Some 64 per cent of adults with irritable bowel syndrome and symptoms of depression saw their mental health improve within just six weeks of taking a daily 'good bacteria', or probiotic, supplement, the study revealed.