Background Major depression is one of the main mental illnesses in old age, with acute exacerbated episodes requiring treatment in geriatric psychiatry. A meta-analysis showed that aerobic exercise in moderate intensity has large effects in older adults with major depression, but there is no evidence of aerobic exercise in geriatric psychiatry. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the feasibility and effects of an ergometer-based aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms. Methods A single-center randomized controlled trial will be conducted in an acute geriatric psychiatric hospital. Inpatients allocated to the intervention group will receive a 2-week aerobic ergometer program. The control group will receive seated flexibility exercise in addition to usual care. The overall effects on the patients’ depressive symptoms will be measured by clinical global impression of change (CGI) as the primary outcome. Changes in depressive symptom domains, physical (in)activity, and aerobic performance as well as the dosage of applied antidepressants will be examined as secondary outcomes. Discussion This short-term aerobic exercise program is expected to decrease depressive symptoms in acute exacerbated periods in older adults. The results may increase the evidence for implementing physical activity interventions in acute hospital settings. The disease-related motivation for exercise in acute exacerbated depressive periods will be the most challenging aspect. The treatment of depression requires new cost-effective approaches, especially in acute geriatric psychiatry with potential benefits for patients, family members, and clinicians. Trial registration German Clinical Trial Register ID: DRKS00026117 Trial status Protocol Version 1.2 dated February 23, 2022. By February 23, 2022, the trial had recruited a total of 15 participants in two wards at the Department of Geriatric Psychiatry at the LVR-Hospital Cologne. Recruitment started on November 12, 2021. The recruitment is expected to continue for at least 12 months.

Background: Major depression is one of the main mental illnesses in old age, with acute exacerbated episodes requiring treatment in geriatric psychiatry. A meta-analysis showed that aerobic exercise in moderate intensity has large effects in older adults with major depression, but there is no evidence of aerobic exercise in geriatric psychiatry. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the feasibility and effects of an ergometer-based aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms. Methods: A single-center randomized controlled trial will be conducted in a geriatric psychiatry hospital. Patients allocated to the intervention group will receive a two-week aerobic ergometer program. The control group will receive seated flexibility exercise in addition to usual care. The overall effects on the patients’ depressive symptoms will be measured by clinical global impression of change (CGI) as the primary outcome. Changes in depressive symptom domains, physical (in)activity and aerobic performance as well as the dosage of applied antidepressants will be examined as secondary outcomes.Discussion: This short-term aerobic exercise program is expected to decrease depressive symptoms in acute exacerbated periods in older adults. The results may increase the evidence for implementing physical activity interventions in acute hospital settings. The disease-related motivation for exercise in acute exacerbated depressive periods will be the most challenging aspect. The treatment of depression requires new cost-effective approaches, especially in acute geriatric psychiatry with potential benefits for patients, family members and clinicians.Trial registration: German Clinical Trial Register ID: DRKS00026117Trial Status: Protocol Version 1.2 dated February 23, 2022. By February 23, 2022, the trial had recruited a total of 15 participants in two wards at the department of Geriatric Psychiatry at the LVR-Hospital Cologne. Recruitment started on November 12, 2021. The recruitment is expected to continue for at least twelve months.

Objective To identify and analyze the components applied in interventions using physical activity (PA) monitoring in geriatric patients and determine their feasibility and applicability. Methods A systematic search in six databases (PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and GeroLit) was conducted to identify studies reporting interventions that included the application of a PA monitor in adults aged ≥ 60 years with a clinical diagnosis. PA monitor interventions were analyzed regarding their feedback, goal-setting and behavior change technique (BCT) components. To determine the feasibility and applicability of interventions, the participants’ adherence to the intervention, their experience as well as adverse events were analyzed. Results Seventeen eligible studies, applying 22 interventions, were identified. Studies included a total of 827 older patients with a median age of 70.2 years. In thirteen interventions (59%), the PA monitor was embedded in a structured behavioral intervention, an indication-specific intervention or usual care. Most frequently applied intervention components were goal setting and self-monitoring (n = 18), real-time PA monitor feedback complemented by feedback from the study team (n = 12), use of further BCTs (n = 18), and regular counseling with the study team (n = 19). Comprehensive information on the participants’ intervention adherence and experience were reported for 15 (68%) and 8 (36%) interventions, respectively. Conclusion The components included in PA monitoring-based interventions varied considerably especially regarding the extent, frequency, and content of feedback, goal setting and BCTs counseling. Future research should evaluate which components are most effective and clinically applicable to promote physical activity in geriatric patients. To be able to precisely analyze the effects, trials should seek to report details on intervention components, adherence and adverse events, while future reviews may use the findings of this scoping review to conduct analyses with less heterogeneity in study characteristics and intervention strategies.