THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION THROUGH A GRADUATED AEROBIC EXERCISE INTERVENTION

Recently aerobic exercise has been presented as an effective treatment for certain depressed individuals. This study attempted to examine individual responses of depressives to a ten week aerobic exercise intervention. The subjects consisted of 14 women and one man ranging in age from 26 to 53 years, who suffered from mild-moderate depression. In an intensive multiple baseline design, depression was monitored with the Beck Depression Inventory, Profile of Mood States, and Daily Mood Measure over a two week baseline period preceding the exercise intervention. Following the baseline period, subjects met individually with the investigator to devise a graduated aerobic exercise program consisting of walking and/or running. Subjects were allowed to schedule exercise on an individual basis or attend the thrice weekly exercise group. All subjects were instructed to record their exercise activity and their response to the exercise. Each subject was individually interviewed every week to discuss exercise progress and assess level of depression. Subjects were encouraged to gradually increase the intensity and duration of their exercise. All but three subjects completed the study. The quantitative data was graphed and visually analyzed. Although 80% of the subjects showed improvement in their depression, it was difficult to determine the source of this improvement as it began during the baseline period. It was concluded that regular interaction with the investigator and the act of signing up for an exercise study may have positively influenced mood. It was observed that the graduated exercise approach seemed to be associated with minimal study attrition. However, the majority of subjects struggled with exercise maintenance and the observed level of exercise frequency and intensity fell short of investigator expectations. it is apparent that exercise is not the treatment of choice for every individual. However, it is difficult to predict the most suitable candidates for exercise interventions