Effectiveness of Aerobic Exercise in Geriatric Individuals with Depression

Abstract

Backround Although there are studies showing the effects of physical exercises on depression, there are not many studies that clearly demonstrate the effect of aerobic exercise in geriatric depression with a clear protocol. Aim To examine the effect of aerobic exercises on depression in geriatric individuals. Methods 38 sedentary individuals diagnosed with geriatric depression participated in this prospective cohort study. Vital signs, depression levels and quality of life were evaluated before and after the program. Statistical significance was accepted as p < 0.05 in the analyzes. Results The respiratory frequency, Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale scores (p < 0.05), blood pressure and heart rate values (p < 0.001) decreased, and the change in median quality of life values increased (p < 0.001) after the aerobic exercise program. Conclusion Aerobic exercises have positive effects on geriatric depression. The effectiveness of treatments can be increased by adding aerobic exercises to geriatric depression treatment protocols.