Patients participating in the study were evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) at baseline and the end of 12 weeks. Response for both scales was defined as at least a 50% score reduction from baseline. Remission of depression was defined as HDRS-17 score of less than 7.
At 12 weeks, 86% of those in the experimental arm versus 28.5% of those in the control arm achieved a response on the HDRS-17 tool. For the BDI tool, the response rates were 71.5% and 19%, respectively. The remission rates as defined by HDRS-17 score of less than 7 were 66.6% and 19%. All differences were statistically significant (P less than .05).
“The exercises are simple and take very little time,” said Dr. Furman, who reported that compliance was good in the study arm according to patient self-report.
There are numerous published studies suggesting that exercise improves mood in a variety of circumstances, including the treatment of depression, and Dr. Furman said these exercises are not physically demanding. If larger studies validate the results of this initial trial, this might prove to be a highly cost-effective tool for depression treatment.