US EPA

551311 

Journal Article 

Exercise training and depression in older adults 

Barbour, KA; Blumenthal, JA 

2005 

1 

Neurobiology of Aging
ISSN: 0197-4580
EISSN: 1558-1497 

26 

1, Supplement 1 

119-123 

10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2005.09.007 

This article provides a review of the evidence supporting exercise as an effective treatment of depression in older adults. Depression is prevalent among older adults and is associated with significant morbidity, increased risk of mortality, and economic burden. Although effective treatments for depression exist (e.g., antidepressant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy), the disorder remains inadequately treated for many older individuals. Recently, the use of exercise as a treatment for depression has received increased attention. Results of these studies suggest that exercise leads to a reduction in depressive symptoms when compared to wait list, social contact controls, and antidepressant medication. However, many studies have significant methodological limitations. In the present article, we include discussion of these limitations and provide suggestions for future research. 

Depression; Exercise; Older adults; Treatment