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The Effect of Exercise on Clinical Depression and Depression Resulting from Mental Illness: A Meta-Analysis
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1998
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Psychological Co-morbiditiesPhysical ActivityExercise MedicineMental HealthMental IllnessExercise PsychologyPsychologyChronic Exercise ParadigmMood SymptomExercisePhysical ExerciseNegative AffectClinical ExerciseHealth SciencesClinical DepressionPsychiatryPhysical FitnessClinical Exercise PhysiologyDepressionExercise PrescriptionsStandard DeviationPsychiatric DisorderExercise ScienceExercise PhysiologyDepression ResultingPsychological BenefitsMind-body InterventionMedicinePsychopathologyExercise Interventions
Exercise has been studied for its impact on negative affect, yet its effect on diagnosed clinical depression remains underexplored and results are inconsistent due to methodological shortcomings. This meta‑analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise on clinical depression and depression stemming from mental illness. The analysis pooled 30 studies of chronic exercise interventions, coding design, participants, exercise parameters, and outcome measures, and examined moderators using ANOVA. Exercise produced a moderate reduction in depression, with a mean effect size of –0.72 SD, and moderator analyses informed exercise prescription for depression treatment.
The effect of exercise on negative affect has been examined in hundreds of studies. However, the effect of exercise on diagnosed clinical depression has received far less attention. Furthermore, poor methodological techniques predominate and results have been conflicting. A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of exercise on clinical depression and depression resulting from mental illness. The chosen studies examined the effect of a chronic exercise paradigm (independent variable) on depression (dependent variable). Each study’s variables were coded: design, subjects, exercise, and dependent measure characteristics that could moderate the effect of exercise on depression. Moderator variables were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results from 30 studies showed an overall mean effect of −.72. Therefore, individuals who exercised were −.72 of a standard deviation less depressed than individuals who did not exercise. Moderating variables and implications for the prescription of exercise as an effective treatment for depression are discussed.