Is Strength Training as Effective as Aerobic Training for Depression in Older Adults? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Helena S Moraes1,2, Heitor S Silveira3, Natacha A Oliveira3
1Laboratório de Neurociência do Exercício, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, helenasmoraes@gmail.com.
Background:
This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic training (AT), strength training (ST) and low-intensity exercise in a control group (CG) as adjunct treatments to pharmacotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) in older persons.
Methods:
Older persons clinically diagnosed with MDD (n = 27) and treated with antidepressants were blindly randomized into three groups: AT, ST and a CG. All patients were evaluated prior to and 12 weeks after the intervention.
Results:
Compared with the CG, the AT and ST groups showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms (treatment -response = 50% decrease in the pre- to postintervention assessment) through the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (AT group: χ2, p = 0.044) and Beck Depression Inventory (ST group: χ2, p = 0.044).
Conclusion:
Adding AT or ST with moderate intensity to the usual treatment promoted a greater reduction of MDD symptoms.
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