ABSTRACT
Evidence indicates physical activity can be utilized in the treatment and prevention of depression. Randomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of three classes of treatment in reducing depressive symptoms: antidepressants, psychotherapy, and neurostimulation. The relationship between physical activity and depressive disorders was first identified in epidemiological work. In addition to evaluating depression symptoms, meta-analyses have also explored other secondary outcomes associated with depression, such as quality of life and other psychosocial indicators. One meta-analysis explored the impact that exercise has on quality of life indicators among depressed patients and found that exercise improved overall quality of life, physical and psychosocial quality of life. A few studies have explored the effect of exercise on depression in patients undergoing treatment for cancer or cancer survivors. A meta-analysis that explored the relationship between cancer-related fatigue and exercise measured depression as a secondary outcome and reported that exercise had a moderate effect on depression symptoms.
