title: Effects of exercise programs on depressive symptoms, quality of life, and self-esteem in older people: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study attempted to show evidence of exercise programs as intervention to decrease depressive symptoms and to improve quality of life and self-esteem in older people.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
  
  
  METHODS
  Electronic databases of KoreaMed, Korea Scientific and Technological Intelligence Center, Korean Society of Nursing Science, Korean Academy of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Ovid-Medline and Embase were searched up to May 25th, 2012 for relevant articles.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched studies of randomized controlled trials involving exercise programs administered to participants aged 65 years or over. Of 461 publications identified, 18 met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Quality assessment of the studies utilized Cochrane's Risk of Bias.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Exercise therapy in older people was effective, as evidenced by a decrease in depressive symptoms [standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.64, -0.08], and improvements in quality of life (SMD 0.86; 95% CI 0.11, 1.62) and self-esteem (SMD 0.49; 95% CI 0.09, 0.88). The changes were significant statistically, with no heterogeneity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exercise programs in older people are effective in improving depressive symptoms, quality of life and self-esteem. Development and efficient use of tailored exercise programs for elderly people is a prudent strategy.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Pai Chai University, Daejeon 155-40, Korea.
authors.forename: Seong-Hi
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Korea. Electronic address: hksun@korea.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Kuem Sun
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Research Development Team, Korea Health Promotion Foundation, Seoul 150-868, Korea.
authors.forename: Chang-Bum
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Kang
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: Depressive symptoms; Exercise; Quality of life; Self-esteem