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Aerobic Exercise as an Adjunctive Therapy in Depression Treatment

Capstone
2024

Repository

Description

Background: Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder that has a significant morbidity and mortality when treatment is not achieved. As a result, it is necessary to seek a more holistic approach when treating depression. The role of physical activity as an easy-to-use and costeffective therapy has been recognized as attractive. Still, evidence-based research is needed to prove its adequacy to clinical providers. Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve depressive symptoms and overall psychological health, including improvement in the cardiorespiratory system. Purpose: Search current research for the duration, frequency, type, and intensity of exercise programs that clinical providers can prescribe as adjunctive therapy for patients with depression. Methods: Evidence-based clinical research (EBCR) of English studies and literature from the past 10 years with set inclusion criteria was conducted. The research took place between September 2023 and February 2024. Identified articles go through screening and eligibility to be proven adequate. A review process of quality assessments and data extractions was conducted. Three final articles were analyzed and compared, and the results section and discussion foundation. Results: Of the three articles assessed, each found positive associations between adding aerobic exercise to antidepressant treatment and improvement in depressive symptoms. While continuing depression medication, participants of the intervention group added exercise to their lifestyle. The intervention group was compared to the control group who did not exercise. There is a consistent positive finding that those who participate in exercise have an improvement in depressive symptoms. v Conclusion: This EBCR found that aerobic exercise has therapeutic effects in participants with depression being treated with medications. Exercise therapy has benefits comparable to those of traditional medication as it is cost-effective and avoids adverse drug effects. Moderateintensity aerobic exercise that is done at least 3 times per week, averaging more than 150 minutes per week, reduces depressive symptoms and improves overall health and cognitive function. Group exercise and surveillance enhance outcomes. There is a multidisciplinary component to prescribing exercise regimens that will promote greater compliance, knowledge, and safety
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Record Data:

Program:
Physician Assistant Studies
Location:
Knoxville
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