Aerobic exercise in depressed youth: A feasibility and clinical outcomes pilot

Early Interv Psychiatry. 2019 Feb;13(1):128-132. doi: 10.1111/eip.12537. Epub 2018 Jan 26.

Abstract

Aim: Major depressive disorder (MDD) onset generally occurs in adolescence/early adulthood. However, pharmacotherapy use in younger populations is restricted due to black box warnings. Aerobic exercise may be a viable treatment option for mild-to-moderate MDD, but little is known about its acceptability/effectiveness in young adults.

Methods: Unmedicated and relatively inactive 18-to-24 olds with MDD completed fitness/clinical assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise (3×/wk; 30-minute sessions in target heart rate [HR] zone), with the aim of increasing cardiovascular fitness (VO2max -indexed).

Results: Post-intervention, predicted VO2max increased, whereas depression scores decreased. A correlation existed between time spent in target HR zone and anxiety symptom decreases. Exercise adherence and satisfaction were high, and drop-out was minimal.

Conclusions: This pilot is among the first to assess the feasibility of aerobic exercise as an antidepressant treatment strategy in young adults, a group for which options have limited acceptability.

Keywords: adolescent; aerobic exercise; anxiety; depression; predicted VO2max; young adults.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiorespiratory Fitness / physiology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Exercise Therapy*
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pilot Projects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents