Effects of running or weight lifting on self-concept in clinically depressed women.

TLDR

Forty clinically depressed women were randomized to running, weight‑lifting, or delayed treatment, and self‑concept was measured at baseline, during, and after treatment, with follow‑ups at 1, 7, and 12 months for the exercise groups. Both running and weight‑lifting significantly improved self‑concept compared to delayed treatment, with no difference between exercise types and sustained gains over 12 months, though no specific self‑concept dimensions differed.

Abstract

Forty clinically depressed women were randomized to a running, weight lifting, or delayed treatment condition. Self-concept was assessed at baseline, pre-, mid-, and posttreatment for all subjects and at 1, 7, and 12 months for exercise groups. Significant improvements in self-concept were found for exercise groups relative to control groups. No significant differences between exercise groups were found, and improvements were reasonably well-maintained over time. Differential changes on dimensions of self-concept were not demonstrated. These results suggest that both running and weight lifting exercise programs improve self-concept in clinically depressed women.