Depression and exercise

Evidence obtained from anecdotal reports, clinical observations, epidemiolo gical research and prospective studies suggests that physical activity may reduce an individual's risk for developing depression and may alleviate sym ptoms in persons with mild to moderate depression. However; many studies ex amining the antidepressant effects of exercise exhibit methodological limit ations that prevent an adequate understanding of the relationship between p hysical activity and depression. Additional research is needed to better de termine the role of physical activity in the prevention and/or treatment of depression so appropriate physical activity guidelines can be developed to promote mental as well as physical health. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the research examining physical activity and depression discuss potential mechanisms for an antidepressant effect of exe rcise, identify limitations in prior research, provide suggestions for futu re research, and offer recommendations for exercise prescription in depress ed populations.