Exercise or basic body awareness therapy as add-on treatment for major depression: a controlled study

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Exercise Science
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Conflicting evidence exists regarding physical exercise as an adjunctive treatment for major depression.
• This study investigated the efficacy of exercise and basic body awareness therapy (BBAT) as add-on treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise and BBAT on depression severity in adults with major depression.
• To assess secondary outcomes including global function, cardiovascular fitness, and self-rated depression, anxiety, and body awareness.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 62 adults diagnosed with major depression and on antidepressant medication.
• Interventions included 10 weeks of aerobic exercise or BBAT, compared to a control group receiving advice on physical activity.
• Depression severity was measured using the Montgomery Asberg Rating Scale (MADRS) by a blinded assessor.

Main Results:

• The exercise group showed significant improvements in MADRS scores (mean change=-10.3) and cardiovascular fitness (mean change=2.4ml oxygen/kg/min).
• Per-protocol analysis confirmed exercise efficacy and suggested BBAT positively impacts self-rated depression.

Conclusions:

• Exercise in a physical therapy setting appears effective for improving depression severity and fitness in major depression.
• Physical therapy may serve as a clinical strategy to encourage exercise participation in individuals with major depression.
• Further research is required to fully elucidate the effects of basic body awareness therapy.