A Systematic Study on the Effects of Aerobic Exercises on Depression in Post Remission Maintenance Therapy Phase among College Level Subjects

Abstract

Introduction Aerobic exercises have been shown to have positive effects among college-level subjects. This study was aimed to evaluate the outcome of aerobic exercises on depression in the post-remission maintenance therapy phase among college-level subjects. Materials and Methods Thirty subjects within the age group of 18ndash25 years with the history of depressive disorder were assigned randomly in to two groups after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The subjects participated in 12 weeks of intervention for 3 times a week in order to check the depression levels. Experimental group performed aerobic training while control group performed only breathing exercises relaxation position with daily routine activities. Beck Depression Inventory BDI 6-min walk test 6-MWT and SF-36 scores were used to assess depression physical fitness and quality of life respectively pre and post treatment. Results The subjects in Group A and B showed a significant decrease in depression by BDI. The comparison of effects of treatments between Group A with B had shown that Group A Aerobic Exercise demonstrated a significant decrease in depression by BDI 0.000 a significant increase in physical fitness Aerobic Capacity by 6MWT 0.000 and a significant improvement in Quality of Life QOL by SF36 p values of 0.000 PF 0.000 RP 0.000 BP 0.000 GH 0.000 VT 0.000 SF 0.000 RE 0.000 MH after intervention over the Group B conventional physiotherapy following 12 weeks of respective interventions on depression in the post-remission maintenance phase of college-level subjects. Conclusion The current study proved that Group A had shown a significant decrease in depression by BDI increased physical fitness Aerobic Capacity by 6-MWT and increased positive improvement in quality of life by SF-36.