Biological Rationale for Regular Physical Exercise as an Effective Intervention for the Prevention and Treatment of Depressive Disorders

Abstract

Depression is a major medical and social problem. Here we review current body of knowledge on the benefits of exercise as an effective strategy for both the prevention and treatment of this condition. We also analyze the biological pathways involved in such potential benefits, which include changes in neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress and inflammation, telomere length, brain volume and microvessels, neurotransmitters or hormones. We also identify major caveats in this field of research: further studies are needed to identify which are the most appropriate types of exercise interventions (intensity, duration, or frequency) to treat and prevent depression.

Prognostic value of exercise capacity among patients with treated depression: The Henry Ford Exercise Testing (FIT) Project

“…25 Recent data suggested that exercise, either as monotherapy or in combination with antidepressant medication, was associated with decreased relapse rate, depending on the depression severity and associated symptoms. [26][27][28] Though some studies focused on exercise monotherapy, [29][30][31][32] others evaluated exercise as an adjuvant therapy to medical treatment. [33][34][35] However, mortality and CHD outcomes had not been studied before in this specific population.…”

What Does Islamic Lifestyle Say about Depression Management?

“…There are many lifestyle elements whose modification can lead to depression improvement. These elements include physical activity or exercise (7), adequate and highquality sleep (6), social relationships (8), dietary modification (9), and recreational activities (10).…”

“…Several studies have provided support for the antidepressant effect of exercise (7,(31)(32)(33)(34). Possible mecha- nisms that contribute to the antidepressant effects of exercise (both in prevention and treatment) include physiological and psychological domains.…”

Physical Activity Modulates Common Neuroplasticity Substrates in Major Depressive and Bipolar Disorder

“…Altogether, these studies suggest that PA modulates the underlying pathobiology of MDD [186] and BP [187] by altering the levels of key neurotransmitters that regulate emotional and cognitive health. In turn, the modulation of these neurotransmitters promotes the maintenance, repair, and survival of neurons and induces changes in molecular and cellular plasticity [188–190], effects similar to those exerted by antidepressants and antipsychotics.…”