The Effects of Various Types of Physical Exercise on Health Outcomes in Older Adults with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials
Author: Samaher Alowaydhah1,2, Ishanka Weerasekara1,3,4, Sarah Walmsley1, Jodie Marquez1,5
Affiliation:
1 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.
2 College of Applied Medical Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia.
3 Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences 5063, Bergen, Norway.
4 School of Allied Health Science and Practice, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
5 Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia.
Conference/Journal: Depress Anxiety
Date published: 2024 Jun 19
Other:
Volume ID: 2024 , Pages: 9363464 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1155/2024/9363464. , Word Count: 251
Methods:
An electronic search of five databases was used to retrieve controlled studies investigating health-related outcomes associated with any type of PE, in adults over 65 years with depression. Where possible, data were analyzed in meta-analyses or else reported narratively. Results and Discussion. Fifteen studies were included in the review. All 15 studies had data available for meta-analysis, yet heterogeneity in exercise types and outcome measures limited synthesis. When data for all types of exercise were pooled together, significant improvements were found in depression (SMD = 0.52; CI = 0.07, 0.97; p = 0.02), physical health and function (SMD = 0.44, CI = 0.14, 0.74; p = 0.004), anxiety (SMD = 0.23; CI = 0.04, 0.42; p = 0.02), and self-efficacy (SMD = 0.97; CI = 0.32, 1.61; p = 0.003). When data were pooled according to exercise type, positive effects were demonstrated for aerobic exercise on depression (SMD = 0.49; CI = -0.16, 0.8; p = 0.003), tai chi/qigong on depression (SMD = 0.89; CI = -0.14, 1.63; p = 0.02), and self-efficacy (SMD = 6.70; CI = -0.90, 12.50; p = 0.02) and multicomponent exercise demonstrated positive effects on physical function (SMD = 0.49; CI = 0.12, 0.87; p = 0.009) and the physical health component of quality of life (SMD = 0.88; CI = 0.10, 1.65; p = 0.03). No health-related benefits were revealed from the combined findings of the two studies investigating strengthening exercises.
Conclusion:
Lack of consistency regarding exercise types, dosage, and outcomes presents challenges in the evidence. In general, exercise is beneficial across a range of health-related variables. Multicomponent, aerobic, and tai chi forms of exercise appear most likely to reap benefits in depressed older adults; however, the type of benefit is determined by the type of exercise and should be considered when recommending a regime. This trial is registered with CRD42020173465.
PMID: 40226640 PMCID: PMC11918806 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9363464
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