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How effective are physical activity interventions for alleviating depressive symptoms in older people?: a systematic review

Blake, Holly; Mo, Phoenix Kit Han; Malik, Sumaira; Thomas, Shirley

Authors

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HOLLY BLAKE holly.blake@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Behavioural Medicine

Phoenix Kit Han Mo

Sumaira Malik



Abstract

Background: The benefits of physical exercise in reducing clinically defined depression in the general population have been established, although a review of the evidence for older adults is needed.
Objectives: To assess the efficacy of physical exercise for the treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults (>60 years).

Data sources: We searched: MEDLINE (1966—May 2008); EMBASE (1980—May 2008); Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; 1982—May 2008); PsycINFO (1966—May 2008), The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2008), and National Research Register (NRR; Issue 2, 2008).

Review methods: Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies of physical exercise interventions for depression were included where 80% or more of participants were >60 years. Abstracts were assessed to determine whether they met specified inclusion criteria. Primary analysis focused on the prevalence of diagnosable depressive disorder following intervention. Secondary outcome was depression or mood scores on standardized scales.

Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials with a total of 641 participants were included in the review. Short-term positive outcome for depression or depressive symptoms was found in nine studies, although the mode, intensity and duration of intervention varied across studies. Medium- to long-term effects of intervention were less clear.

Conclusion: Physical exercise programmes obtain clinically relevant outcomes in the treatment of depressive symptoms in depressed older people. Exercise, though not appropriate for all in this population, may improve mood in this group. Further research is needed to establish medium- to long-term effects and cost-effectiveness.

Citation

Blake, H., Mo, P. K. H., Malik, S., & Thomas, S. (2009). How effective are physical activity interventions for alleviating depressive symptoms in older people?: a systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation, 23(10), 873-887. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215509337449

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 17, 2009
Online Publication Date Aug 12, 2009
Publication Date Oct 1, 2009
Deposit Date Nov 6, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Clinical Rehabilitation
Print ISSN 0269-2155
Electronic ISSN 1477-0873
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 23
Issue 10
Pages 873-887
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215509337449
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1230654
Publisher URL http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269215509337449
Additional Information Copyright © 2009 by SAGE Publications

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