Baseline Physical Activity Characteristics of Individuals Seeking Exercise as an Adjuvant Treatment for Depression

Abstract

Previous research suggests that exercise may be useful as a monotherapy and adjuvant therapy for depression. However, there are limited data on personal characteristics that may influence acceptability and adherence to exercise as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). PURPOSE: To evaluate physical activity characteristics of patients seeking exercise as an adjuvant therapy for MDD. METHODS: We administered questionnaires to assess lifetime physical activity history and perceived benefits and barriers of physical activity to individuals recruited for a randomized clinical trial of exercise as an adjuvant treatment for MDD. Participants were 9 men and 25 women, ages 34–63 y (mean = 50.8 y), with a primary diagnosis of MDD and moderate symptoms on the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (mean = 34.6 ±5.5). All participants were receiving SSRI anti depressant medication and were physically inactive at the time of the study. RESULTS: Most patients reported participation in physical education or exercise classes and sport activities during childhood and adolescence. However, only 35% of individuals reported participation in exercise classes during adulthood. Participation rates for leisure time physical activity were 96.7% during childhood and 82.8% during adolescence but declined to 66.7% during young adulthood and 57.1% after age 25. Most patients who participated in physical activities reported enjoying them. The most common physical activities reported during the past year were walking (82.4%), housework (74.2%), gardening (51.7%), stair use (46.7%), and stationary cycling (35.5%). Most (75.8%) patients reported previous exercise participation for at least 6 months, with the primary reason for stopping being lack of interest. The most endorsed benefits of physical activity included improved aerobic and muscular fitness, improved health, increased energy and improved self-esteem; however, most benefits had a mean score >3, indicating agreement. The most endorsed barriers to physical activity were lack of self-discipline or willpower and lack of energy or being too tired. CONCLUSION: Physical activity participation in this sample of patients with MDD reflects trends in the general population; namely, high participation during childhood, decreasing throughout adolescence and adulthood. Most individuals who reported participating in physical activities reported enjoying them. Behavioral support mechanisms for physical activity should be considered in patients with MDD, as perceived barriers may be influenced by depressive symptomatology.