Monoamines and cortisol as potential mediators of the relationship between exercise and depressive symptoms

Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2017 Mar;267(2):117-121. doi: 10.1007/s00406-016-0719-0. Epub 2016 Aug 2.

Abstract

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of exercise plus pharmacotherapy on monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin) and cortisol levels. A total of 26 women with clinical depression were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: aerobic exercise plus pharmacotherapy or only pharmacotherapy. The exercise program consisted of aerobic exercise, 45-50 min/session, three times/week, for 16 weeks. The biological parameters were measured before and after the exercise program. Adding exercise to pharmacotherapy had no additional effects on monoamines and cortisol plasma levels. These data are preliminary outcomes from a small sample and should be replicated.

Keywords: Aerobic exercise; Catecholamines; Cortisol; Depression; Women.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Depression / blood*
  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Dopamine / blood*
  • Epinephrine / blood*
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Norepinephrine / blood*
  • Serotonin / blood*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Norepinephrine
  • Epinephrine