Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, but most depressed individuals do not receive treatment. There is now significant support for physical exercise as an effective alternative treatment for depression, which may be more accessible than traditional psychiatric treatments. Little is known about preferences for exercise as a depression treatment.
Method: A total of 102 individuals (50% female, mean age = 39 (SD=13.1; range: 18-62), 83% Caucasian) with likely major depression completed an online survey of exercise for depression treatment preferences and barriers to increased exercise. Results are reported by gender due to well established gender differences in exercise preferences.
Results: Both genders reported a high level of interest in an exercise for depression program. On average, participants preferred an individual walking program that was coached, asked them to engage in one longer bout multiple times per week, and was provided in home. However, there was significant variability within and between genders. Lack of motivation, mood, and fatigue were reported as barriers to exercise by the majority of participants of both genders.
Conclusion: The majority of those with depression have interest in an exercise for depression program, but symptoms of depression are seen as significant barriers. Future studies should use these results to design exercise for depression programs. The variability and gender differences in our results suggest that flexible programs may be needed.