Research Impact: Although the benefits of aerobic exercise training for depressive symptoms is established, less is known regarding the effects of resistance exercise training (RET) on depressive symptoms. This systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis is the first quantitative synthesis of the anti-depressant effects of RET, and key sources of variability in the overall effect. RET significantly reduced depressive symptoms by a moderate-sized mean effect ∆ of 0.66 (95%CI: 0.48-0.83). Total volume of prescribed RET, participant health status, and strength improvements were not significantly associated with the antidepressant effect. These findings demonstrate RET significantly reduces depressive symptoms in otherwise healthy participants and those with a physical or mental illness, providing further support for RET as an alternate and/or adjuvant treatment for depressive symptoms.
Gordon BR, McDowell CP, Hallgren M, Meyer JD, Lyons M, Herring MP. Association of Efficacy of Resistance Exercise Training With Depressive Symptoms: Meta-analysis and Meta-regression Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online May 09, 2018. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0572. (IF: 15.307; C=0; Q1 Psychiatry; R=2/142).
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