Exercise therapy improves aerobic capacity of inpatients with major depressive disorder

Abstract

BackgroundUnipolar depression is one of the most common diseases worldwide and is associated with a higher cardiovascular risk partly due to reduced aerobic capacity.ObjectivesTherefore, the aim of our study was to examine whether a structured aerobic training program can improve aerobic capacity in inpatients with MDD (major depressive disorder).MethodsOverall, 25 patients (13 women, 12 men) diagnosed with MDD were included in the study. Parameters of aerobic capacity, such as maximum performance, maximum oxygen consumption, and VAT (ventilatory anaerobic threshold), were assessed on a bicycle ergometer before and 6 weeks after a training period (three times per week for 45 min on two endurance machines). In addition, a constant load test was carried out at 50% of the maximum performance prior to and after the training period. The performance data were compared with 25 healthy controls matched for sex, age, and body mass index before and after the training period.ResultsCompared to controls, patients with MDD had significantly lower aerobic capacity. After training, there was a significant improvement in their performance data. A significant difference remained only for VAT between patients with MDD and healthy controls.ConclusionWith regard to the coincidence of MDD with cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disorders, a structured supervised exercise program carried out during hospitalization is a useful supplement for patients with MDD.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and response to exercise treatment in depression

“…Similarly, Kerling et al . 21 reported that maximum oxygen consumption did not differ significantly between exercise (includes patients with depression) and control (includes healthy participants) groups, although exercise (within-group) resulted in significant improvements in V̇ O 2max . However, these results may be the result of low statistical power.…”

Exercise Leads to Better Clinical Outcomes in Those Receiving Medication Plus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

“…This minimum recommended dose of exercise was prescribed to increase participant adoption and adherence since low-active people with depression generally lack motivation to begin an exercise program ( 84 ). Also, exercise prescriptions based on this intensity performed over 6 weeks have shown to significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness and depression symptoms in patients with MDD ( 85 , 86 ). The research has also found that a combining aerobic with resistance training is more effective than aerobic exercise alone in improving depressive symptoms and cognitive function ( 87 , 88 ).…”

Pericardial adipose tissue and the metabolic syndrome is increased in patients with chronic major depressive disorder compared to acute depression and controls

“…Chronic MDD is common, with a lifetime prevalence of ~5% in the general population; around 20-30% of acutely depressed individuals typically go on to develop a chronic disease course (1,2). Chronic MDD is distinguished from acute MDD by an earlier onset (1), increased comorbidity with axis 1 disorders (1,3,4), higher rates of personality disorders (5), higher rates of childhood trauma (6), greater suicidality (7) and functional impairment (1,8), higher rates of mood disorders in relatives (9,10), and worse treatment outcome (11)(12)(13).…”

“…Key factors contributing include the increased rate of the metabolic syndrome in MDD (17), increased rates of type-2 diabetes mellitus (18,19), increased intra-abdominal adipose tissue (20), dysregulation of the hypothalamuspituitary-adrenal axis (HPAS) with subsequent alterations in cortisol concentrations (21), dysregulation of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines (22), and poor lifestyle habits (e.g. smoking, physical activity, dietary factors) (2,23,24).…”