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.
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