Study: Exercise improves treatment effect for depression

New studyExercise may reduce depression symptoms, boost effects of therapy scientists at the University of Iowa in the United States showed that run jogging or cycling may improve the effect of therapy for people suffering from depression.

And this is not about systematic physical activity, but about a single session of exercises immediately before going to specialist.

In the first study, scientists took part in 30 adults suffering from major depressive disorders. Some of them completed a 30-minute moderate-intensity cycling session, while others simply sat for the same amount of time. At the second stage, a week later, they switched roles.

The subjects completed surveys before, in the middle and after each session, and then at intervals of 25, 50 and 75 minutes after its completion. Questions were chosen to measure depressive symptoms and cognitive ability.

Mood was found to improve during 30-minute sessions and up to 75 minutes after. The subjects also saw an improvement in their ability to enjoy normally pleasurable activities—even after 75 minutes, the effect was better than the control group.

To explore this effect further, the team conducted a separate pilot study with 10 people, half of them who performed 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise before a one-hour CBT session each week. The second group just went about their normal business. The program lasted over eight weeks.

At the end, both groups showed progress in treating their depression, but the exercise group showed much more improvement. Patients reported a faster and stronger connection with their therapists, making them more likely to benefit from sessions and keep attending.

By words According to scientists, these results show that a short workout before therapy can prepare the brain for emotionally demanding work and enhance its benefits.