A Pilot Study on the Effects of Exercise on Depression Symptoms U.pdf

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.