Pilot Studies to Evaluate Feasibility of a Physical Activity Intervention for Persons With Depression

in Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

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Kendall J. Sharp UT Southwestern Medical Center

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Charles C. South UT Southwestern Medical Center

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Cherise Chin Fatt UT Southwestern Medical Center

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Madhukar H. Trivedi UT Southwestern Medical Center

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Chad D. Rethorst UT Southwestern Medical Center

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.2019-0248
Keywords:
breast cancer survivors; exercise; Fitbit; self-monitoring
First Published Online:
19 Nov 2020
In Print:
Volume 42: Issue 6
Page Range:
443–451
Restricted access

Exercise reduces depressive symptoms and improves physical health in persons with depression. However, the interventions implemented in research studies require significant resources, limiting adoption into clinical practice and suggesting the need for more efficient interventions. In two nonrandomized pilot studies, the authors evaluated the feasibility of a multicomponent intervention (group educational sessions, Fitbit, and access to exercise facility) in adult persons with depression and breast cancer survivors with depression. The participants in both pilot studies completed 12 weeks of group educational sessions to increase physical activity levels, were provided with self-monitoring devices, and were provided access to on-site exercise facilities. Depressive symptoms significantly decreased postintervention, and over 90% of the participants reported that they had benefited from the intervention. These results indicate that implementing a multicomponent intervention is feasible and may reduce depressive symptoms and improve other psychosocial outcomes.

The authors are with the UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.

Rethorst (Chad.Rethorst@utsouthwestern.edu) is corresponding author.

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