Article
A Pilot Study on the Effects of Exercise on Depression Symptoms U.pdf
European Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies
(2014)
Abstract
Context: The prescribing of exercise by physicians has become a popular practice, yet the
effectiveness of exercise on symptoms of depression is difficult to determine due to a lack of
randomized controlled trials with clinical populations. Reports also indicate that only a small
percentage of physicians advise their patients regarding exercise and confusion still exists as to
how much and what types are best. Aims: To understand the mechanisms that make exercise a viable
treatment in depression. Settings and Design: This study employed a six-week, two group,
single-level trial, pre- and posttest design using self-report of symptoms, blood levels of
serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, and frontal slow wave EEG activity as
markers. This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov. ID# NCT02023281. Subjects and Methods:
Eleven participants with a diagnosis of depression between the ages of 18 and 65 were enrolled from
March 2013 through May 2013. Baseline and post-intervention measures consisted of the Beck
Depression Inventory-II, blood serum levels of serotonin, catecholamines (epinephrine,
norepinephrine, and dopamine), and mean alpha frequency. Statistical Analysis Used: A series of
independent t-tests for each dependent variable was conducted. Results: Independent t‑tests reveal
significant between-group differences in depression scores (P = 0.005, d = 2.23); F7 activity (P =
0.012, d = 1.92); and F8 activity (P = 0.04, d = 1.52). Conclusions: The results of this pilot
study show that even mild to very moderate levels of exercise 2-3 times per week consisting of
alternating days of aerobic and strength resistance training can be effective in reducing symptoms
of depression giving physicians concrete information for their
patients on the prescription of exercise.
Keywords
- depression,
- anxiety
Disciplines
Publication Date
Summer August 1, 2014
Citation Information
Timothy H. Barclay. "A Pilot Study on the Effects of Exercise on Depression Symptoms U.pdf" European Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies Vol. 1 Iss. 1 (2014) p. 30 - 35 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/timothy-barclay/5/