Resistance exercise may reduce depressive symptoms in adults

Resistance exercise may reduce depressive symptoms in adults

(HealthDay)—Resistance exercise training (RET) is associated with reduced depressive symptoms among adults, according to a meta-analysis published online May 9 in JAMA Psychiatry.

Brett R. Gordon, from the University of Limerick in Ireland, and colleagues examined the correlation of efficacy of RET with depressive symptoms using data from 33 involving 1,877 participants. The trials used validated measures of depressive symptoms, which were assessed at baseline and mid- and/or post-intervention. A total of 947 participants were randomized to RET and 930 to a nonactive control condition.

The researchers observed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms with RET, with a moderate-sized mean effect Δ of 0.66. There was considerable heterogeneity, and 32.9 percent of the observed variance was accounted for by sampling error. There was a number needed to treat of four. There were no significant correlations for total volume of prescribed RET, participant health status, and strength improvements with the antidepressant effect of RET. Randomized clinical trials with blinded allocation and/or assessment had smaller reductions in depressive symptoms.

"Resistance significantly reduced depressive symptoms among adults regardless of health status, total prescribed volume of RET, or significant improvements in strength," the authors write. "Better-quality randomized blinding both allocation and assessment and comparing RET with other empirically supported treatments for are needed."

More information: Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Journal information: JAMA Psychiatry

Copyright © 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Citation: Resistance exercise may reduce depressive symptoms in adults (2018, May 11) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-05-resistance-depressive-symptoms-adults.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Depressive symptoms tied to diabetes self-management

9 shares

Feedback to editors