Resistance exercise training compared to a low-intensity sham for depressive symptoms in young women with analogue generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial.
Darragh O'Sullivan, Jennifer M Rice, Mark Lyons et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of resistance exercise training (RET) versus low-intensity sham RET on depressive symptoms in 55 young women (ages 18-40) with analogue generalized anxiety disorder. Both interventions resulted in significant reductions in depressive symptoms, with PRET showing a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 1.53, while SHAM had an SMD of 1.04. No significant difference between groups was found.
Key findings
- Both PRET and SHAM resulted in large reductions in depressive symptoms, with SMDs of 1.53 and 1.04, respectively.
- A significant main effect for time was observed (F (3.2167) = 42.19, p < 0.001).
- Benefits of PRET were maintained at one-month follow-up (SMD: 1.64).
- No significant group by time interaction was found (F (3.2167) = 0.34, p = 0.806).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that both moderate-to-high intensity resistance exercise and low-intensity exercise can effectively reduce depressive symptoms in young women with anxiety disorders. This highlights the potential role of exercise as a therapeutic intervention for mental health.