Moving away from depression: Physical activity changes in patients undergoing r-TMS for major depressive disorder

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) may predict or mark successful treatment from major depressive disorder after repeated-transcranial magnetic stimulation (r-TMS). ObjectivesTo explore if r-TMS treatment responders were more physically active than non-responders at baseline, and to determine if treatment responders increased PA compared to non-responders post-treatment. MethodsThirty subjects were included in the study. PA was measured through Actical accelerometers. Baseline PA levels were compared through separate independent t-tests, whereas post-treatment changes were compared through separate ANCOVAs. ResultsThere were no differences in PA at baseline between groups. Controlling for baseline PA levels, ANCOVAs identified a non-significant treatment effect between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels post-treatment between groups [p = 0.276, η2 = 0.044]. A significant treatment effect was found between groups for light physical activity favouring responders [p = 0.009, η2 = 0.226]. ConclusionResponders’ LPA significantly increased in comparison to non-responders receiving r-TMS for major depressive disorder.