O efeito antidepressivo do exercício físico em indivíduos com transtornos mentais

This article reviews studies that investigated the antidepressant action of physical exercise in the therapeutic treatment of mental disorders. The review was conducted in the Medline, Embase, Sport Discus, Psyclit, PsychoInfo, WebSciense, using the following keywords: physical exercise, physical activity, mental heath, mental disorder, depression. Published reviews, between the years of 2000 and 2009, that described the association of depressive symptoms and physical exercise, were consulted. Additionally, parameters are described for prescription control and physical exercise programs aimed at individuals with mental disorders. Despite the methodological problems pointed out by some authors, a broad base of theoretical evidence, gathered here, highlights the effect that physical activities has on antidepressant action, indicating that the development of physical fitness may be beneficial for the therapeutic treatment of individuals with mental disorder