Impact of aerobic exercise on muscle mass in patients with major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial

Sarcopenia leads to physical function impairment and at least to increasing all-cause mortality. There are notes on reduced muscle mass in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Whether an exercise intervention counteracts low muscle mass in patients with MDD has not been studied so far. Therefore, our study aimed at examining effects of regular aerobic exercise training on muscle mass in patients with MDD.

Thirty inpatients with MDD were included in the study, of which 20 received an additional supervised exercise program. Ten patients obtained treatment as usual. Muscle mass was measured using MRI before and 6 weeks after the training period (3 times per week for 45 minutes).

We found a significant effect of the exercise intervention on the amount of muscle mass depending on age, body mass index, and the physical activity score (P=0.042).

Among other positive effects, regular exercise increases muscle mass in patients with MDD and, therefore, should be recommended as an additional treatment tool.