Previous research has shown that depression is relatively common among older adults, and it has also been shown that exercise brings about improvements in mental as well as physical well-being among all age groups.

Dr Anne Mather and colleagues from the University of Dundee investigated the effect of physical exercise on a group of adults aged 53 or over with symptoms of depression – based on evaluation with the Mini-Mental State Examination, the ICD-10 and the Geriatric Depression Scale – but no signs of cognitive impairment.

All patients had exhibited no sustained response to at least six weeks of treatment with antidepressants.

In total, 86 patients were recruited to take part in the study, which involved either attending twice-weekly exercise classes or health education classes for a period of 10 weeks. Participants underwent the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) at baseline.

After 10 weeks, the subjects were assessed again using the HRSD and further follow-up was made at 34 weeks.

The researchers found that, after 10 weeks, 55 per cent of the exercise group showed at least a 30 per cent reduction in depressive symptoms while only 33 per cent of those who received health education showed such an improvement.

Both groups showed similar improvements when assessed using the HRSD after 34 weeks; however, further analysis revealed no significant difference in improvement between the two groups.

The researchers conclude that the significant improvement above baseline seen in those patients who commenced a physical exercise program suggests that doctors should encourage older adults with poorly responsive depressive disorder to take some form of exercise.

Reference: Mather et al, British Journal of Psychiatry 2002;180:411-415
© Health Media Ltd 2002
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