Preferences for exercise as a treatment for depression

Abstract

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, but most depressed individuals do not receive treatment. There is now significant support for physical exercise as an effective alternative treatment for depression, which may be more accessible than traditional psychiatric treatments. Little is known about preferences for exercise as a depression treatment. Method A total of 102 individuals (50% female, mean age = 39 (SD=13.1; range: 18–62), 83% Caucasian) with likely major depression completed an online survey of exercise for depression treatment preferences and barriers to increased exercise. Results are reported by gender due to well established gender differences in exercise preferences. Results Both genders reported a high level of interest in an exercise for depression program. On average, participants preferred an individual walking program that was coached, asked them to engage in one longer bout multiple times per week, and was provided in home. However, there was significant variability within and between genders. Lack of motivation, mood, and fatigue were reported as barriers to exercise by the majority of participants of both genders. Conclusion The majority of those with depression have interest in an exercise for depression program, but symptoms of depression are seen as significant barriers. Future studies should use these results to design exercise for depression programs. The variability and gender differences in our results suggest that flexible programs may be needed.

Motivating factors and barriers towards exercise in severe mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Thus, future research should examine if the same motivations and barriers towards exercise identified in this review also generalize to patients with SMIs other than schizophrenia. An online survey study of individuals with high depressive symptoms (but without a confirmed SMI) indicates that our findings will generalize beyond schizophrenia, as the most common barriers towards exercise reported by these individual were again low mood and fatigue (Busch et al 2015), as was observed in our SMI samples (Fig. 3).…”

Feasibility of Resistance Exercise for Posttraumatic Stress and Anxiety Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

“…Resistance exercise may also serve as a potential alternative when aerobic modes of exercise are not desirable. For instance, some populations (e.g., individuals with depression) have been shown to prefer resistance exercise over running or cycling (Busch et al, 2016).…”

Exercise Preferences and Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Physical Activity among US Veterans with PTSD

“…The exercise preferences reported in this sample appear to similarly represent those of other subgroups of individuals with psychopathology (e.g., individuals with substance use disorders, depression) [77][78][79]. Collectively, these data have the potential to inform the tailored development of exercise programs that are accessible and enjoyable to veterans.…”