Impact of strength exercise intervention on quality of life and cognitive function in depressed patients

Problem: depression will be the second cause of mortality and morbidity, only after heart disease in 2030 (Chapman & Perry, 2008; Mathers & Loncar, 2011). It is scientifically proven that strength exercise can relieve depression symptoms and improve functioning of Central nerve system (Van Praag, 2009). However it is not clear what type of exercise, what intensity and duration can cover a wide range of patients with depression to reach therapeutic effect (Chalder et al., 2012; Ranjbar et al., 2015). The aim of the research: to evaluate an impact of the strength exercise intervention on quality of life and cognitive function in patients suffering from depression. Object of the research: impact of strength exercise intervention on quality of life and cognitive function in patients suffering from depression. The goals of the research: 1. To identify and compare the depressive symptoms intensity of depression patients before and after strength exercise intervention. 2. To identify and compare the quality of life of depression patients before and after strength exercise intervention. 3. To identify and compare the attention and memory of depression patients before and after strength exercise intervention. Hypothesis: four weeks long intensive short-term strength exercise intervention improves emotional state, quality of life and cognitive function in depressed people. Conclusions: 1. The psychoemotional state decreased statistically significant after four weeks long intensive strength exercise intervention in depression patients. 2. Four weeks long intensive strength exercise intervention significantly improved the subjective quality of life of depression patients mostly impacting components of emotional state and physical activity. 3. Four weeks long intensive strength exercise intervention significantly improved the cognitive function of depression patients, especially the attention and memory. Recommendations: inactive and low physically active depression patients need to be encouraged to engage in a physical activity at least 3 times per week by executing intensive strength exercises 5 sets 3 maximal repetitions calf bending with resistance for each leg. This physical load is enough for therapeutic effect. Furthermore, patients should be additionally physically active at least 30 minutes 5 days per week