Article

The benefits of physical exercise in reducing clinically defined
depression in the general population have been established, although a review of
the evidence for older adults is needed. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of
physical exercise for the treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults (>60
years). DATA SOURCES: We searched: MEDLINE (1966-May 2008); EMBASE (1980-May
2008); Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; 1982-May
2008); PsycINFO (1966-May 2008), The Cochrane Library (Issue 2, 2008), and
National Research Register (NRR; Issue 2, 2008).
REVIEW METHODS: Randomized
controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies of physical exercise
interventions for depression were included where 80% or more of participants were
>60 years. Abstracts were assessed to determine whether they met specified
inclusion criteria. Primary analysis focused on the prevalence of diagnosable
depressive disorder following intervention. Secondary outcome was depression or
mood scores on standardized scales. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials
with a total of 641 participants were included in the review. Short-term positive
outcome for depression or depressive symptoms was found in nine studies, although
the mode, intensity and duration of intervention varied across studies. Medium-
to long-term effects of intervention were less clear.
CONCLUSION: Physical
exercise programmes obtain clinically relevant outcomes in the treatment of
depressive symptoms in depressed older people. Exercise, though not appropriate
for all in this population, may improve mood in this group. Further research is
needed to establish medium- to long-term effects and cost-effectiveness.

Langue : ANGLAIS