Aerobic Exercise Supplementation on Medication Improves Depression Scores: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Abstract Background Neuroendocrine disruption is an important mechanism in the development of depression and the modulation of neuroendocrine disruption by aerobic exercise suggests a potential antidepressant effect. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the effect of aerobic exercise on depression on the basis of pharmacological treatment alone. Methods We conducted a randomized trial with a meta-analysis of 8 RCT studies to assess the effect of aerobic exercise on depression based on pharmacotherapy. Results On the basis of medication, we found a positive overall effect of aerobic exercise supplementation. This effect was seen in both moderate depression (-1.13 [-1.56, -0.71], I2 = 0%, P = 0.803) and major depression (-0.72 [-0.89, -0.55], I2 = 33%, P = 0.144), with a relatively better effect for moderate depression. In addition, a 12-week course of adjunctive aerobic exercise was the most effective in improving depression in the included clinical studies by cumulative meta-analysis. Conclusion The meta-analysis provides recommendations for adjunctive aerobic exercise treatment on top of medication alone. The outcome data demonstrate the better efficacy of aerobic exercise as an adjunct to antidepressants versus medication alone. Additional clinical trials are necessary in the future to develop optimal exercise parameters for different populations.