Acute effects of outdoor physical activity on affect and psychological well-being in depressed patients – a preliminary study

Conclusion A single outdoor exercise bout showed greater affective improvements compared to indoor and sedentary equivalents for self-reported excitement and activation. As patients felt more active, an outdoor setting might be useful in overcoming listlessness during depression treatment. Due to methodological limitations associated with the pragmatic nature of the trial, findings must be interpreted with caution. Further trials should focus on wider feasibility and acceptability of outdoor exercise in depressive patients.
Source: Mental Health and Physical Activity - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research