Pragmatic randomised controlled trial of preferred intensity exercise in women living with depression
2011

Exercise for Women with Depression

Sample size: 38 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Patrick Callaghan, Elizabeth Khalil, Ioannis Morres, Tim Carter

Primary Institution: University of Nottingham

Hypothesis

Does exercise of preferred intensity lead to better psychological, physiological and social wellbeing outcomes and improved adherence rates when compared with exercise of prescribed intensity?

Conclusion

Exercise of preferred intensity improves psychological, physiological and social outcomes, and exercise participation rates in women living with depression.

Supporting Evidence

  • Intervention participants had statistically better BDI scores.
  • Preferred intensity exercise led to improved self-esteem levels.
  • Participants in the intervention group attended more exercise sessions.

Takeaway

Women with depression feel better when they exercise at their own comfortable pace instead of a set pace. This helps them stick to the exercise program better.

Methodology

A Pragmatic RCT comparing 12 sessions of exercise at preferred intensity with 12 sessions at prescribed intensity.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to non-blinding of assessors.

Limitations

Loss of participants once enrolled and assessors were not blinded to participant allocation.

Participant Demographics

Women aged 45-65 living with depression, monitored by mental health services.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.006

Confidence Interval

95% CI -20.4 to -2.7

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-11-465

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