Natalia Jaworska1, Allegra K Courtright1, Elisea De Somma1,2, Glenda M MacQueen1, Frank P MacMaster1,3,4. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 2. Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 4. Strategic Clinical Network for Addictions and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Abstract
AIM: Major depressive disorder (MDD) onset generally occurs in adolescence/early adulthood. However, pharmacotherapy use in younger populations is restricted due to black box warnings. Aerobic exercise may be a viable treatment option for mild-to-moderate MDD, but little is known about its acceptability/effectiveness in young adults. METHODS: Unmedicated and relatively inactive 18-to-24 olds with MDD completed fitness/clinical assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise (3×/wk; 30-minute sessions in target heart rate [HR] zone), with the aim of increasing cardiovascular fitness (VO2max -indexed). RESULTS: Post-intervention, predicted VO2max increased, whereas depression scores decreased. A correlation existed between time spent in target HR zone and anxiety symptom decreases. Exercise adherence and satisfaction were high, and drop-out was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot is among the first to assess the feasibility of aerobic exercise as an antidepressant treatment strategy in young adults, a group for which options have limited acceptability.
AIM: Major depressive disorder (MDD) onset generally occurs in adolescence/early adulthood. However, pharmacotherapy use in younger populations is restricted due to black box warnings. Aerobic exercise may be a viable treatment option for mild-to-moderate MDD, but little is known about its acceptability/effectiveness in young adults. METHODS: Unmedicated and relatively inactive 18-to-24 olds with MDD completed fitness/clinical assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise (3×/wk; 30-minute sessions in target heart rate [HR] zone), with the aim of increasing cardiovascular fitness (VO2max -indexed). RESULTS: Post-intervention, predicted VO2max increased, whereas depression scores decreased. A correlation existed between time spent in target HR zone and anxiety symptom decreases. Exercise adherence and satisfaction were high, and drop-out was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot is among the first to assess the feasibility of aerobic exercise as an antidepressant treatment strategy in young adults, a group for which options have limited acceptability.