Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Impact of exercise type, duration, and intensity on depressive symptoms in older adults: a systematic review and
Xinglu Li1, Shaokai He2, Tao Liu1
1School of Physical Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China.
Objective:
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effects of three types of physical exercise (resistance exercise, aerobic exercise, and group exercise), different exercise intervention times (3 months, 6 months), and different exercise intensities (low, moderate, and high) on the improvement of depressive symptoms in older adults aged ≥60 years, as well as to explore the impact of the sustainability of these physical exercise intervention programs on depressive symptoms in older adults.
Methods:
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of physical exercise on depressive symptoms in older adults were retrieved from Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase Data. The retrieval time limit is from establishing the database to January 7, 2024. We conducted a meta-analysis using a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and the standardized mean differences (SMD). The I statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity of the outcomes of the studies. When I 2 < 50%, we used the fixed-effects model, and when I 2 > 50%, we used the random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses investigated heterogeneity origins.
Results:
There are 15 articles reported 20 studies, with a total of 1,346 patients, including 689 in the control group and 657 in the experimental group. The findings demonstrated a notable improvement in depression symptoms among older persons as an immediate result of engaging in physical exercise [SMD = -0.82, 95% CI (-1.19, -0.45)]. The subgroup analysis showed that moderate-intensity physical exercise [SMD = -0.25, 95% CI (-0.47, -0.03)], high-intensity physical exercise [SMD = -0.94, 95% CI (-1.37, -0.51)], resistance exercise [SMD = -0.70, 95% CI (-1.20, -0.20)], and group exercise [SMD = -0.97, 95% CI (-1.89, -0.05)], and the exercise intervention time was 3 months [SMD = -0.81, 95% CI (-1.38, -0.23)] or 6 months [SMD = -0.93, 95% CI (-1.46, -0.41)] were more effective in improving depressive symptoms in older adults.
Conclusion:
The sustainable resistance and group exercise have a better effect on improving depressive symptoms in older adults. Appropriate exercise intervention time can also ensure the sustainable improvement effect of exercise.
Systematic Review Registration:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/record_email.php, identifier CRD42023405525.
More Related Videos
07:26Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
Published on: October 17, 2018
09:19Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice
Published on: February 2, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Depression: Overview