title: Exercise and the treatment of depression: a review of the exercise program variables.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is growing interest in the use of exercise in the treatment of depression. A number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated a reduction in depressive symptoms with both aerobic and non-aerobic exercise interventions. This has been supported in a number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. However, the heterogeneous nature of the exercise intervention trials makes determining the appropriate program variables (frequency, intensity, duration and type of exercise) difficult.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review was undertaken on all RCTs reporting a significant treatment effect of exercise in the treatment of depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies were analyzed for exercise frequency, intensity, session duration, exercise type, exercise mode, intervention duration, delivery of exercise, level and quality of supervision and compliance. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five RCTs published since 2007 met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently analyzed. Most programs were performed three times weekly and of moderate intensity. All included trials used aerobic exercise, either treadmill or outdoor walking, stationary cycle or elliptical cross trainer exercise. Intervention duration ranged from four to twelve weeks. Both group and individual programs were shown to be effective in lowering the symptoms of depression. Some level of supervision is recommended.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is evidence for the use supervised aerobic exercise, undertaken three times weekly at moderate intensity for a minimum of nine weeks in the treatment of depression. Further research on the manipulation of program variables is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Central Queensland University, Institute for Health and Social Science, Centre for Mental Health Nursing Innovation, Rockhampton, Australia. Electronic address: r.stanton@cqu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stanton
authors.affiliation: School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Reaburn
mesh_terms: D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D055070:Resistance Training
keywords: Aerobic exercise; Clinical depression; Depressive disorder; Exercise training; Randomized controlled trials