Combined physical activity training versus aerobic activity training in unipolar depressive disorder: a quasi-randomised evaluation study

Objective:
The positive effect of sport and exercise interventions on the treatment of unipolar depressive disorder (UDD) is well documented with respect to aerobic exercise. However, few studies have determined the effectiveness of other types of interventions (e.g., weight training, body and mind oriented, qigong or progressive muscle relaxation). Additionally, the effectiveness of specific combined sport and exercise approaches has rarely been investigated. Therefore, recommendations for the use of sport and exercise therapy to treat UDD have been developed.

Methods:
This quasi-randomised study used a pretest/posttest design to compare the effectiveness of two different interventions (aerobic activity training vs. combined physical activity training) on psychiatric outcome parameters in a day clinic psychiatric setting. A total of 62 participants were quasi-randomised to one of the two conditions. Affective, cognitive, psychosocial and neuropsychological changes were assessed by a battery of questionnaires before (t1) and after (t2) treatment. Accelerometers were used to assess energy consumption.

Results:
The results show that both training interventions have similar effects on the treatment of UDD.

Conclusion:
These findings highlight the effectiveness of different physical activities in the treatment of UDD and provide further information for good clinical practice.

Keywords: Evaluation study; Outpatient treatment; Recommendations; Sport and exercise therapy; Unipolar depressive disorder.

PMID: 37084073 DOI: 10.1007/s40211-023-00464-1