Is Strength Training as Effective as Aerobic Training for Depression in Older Adults? A Randomized Controlled Trial

<b><i>Background:</i></b> This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic training (AT), strength training (ST) and low-intensity exercise in a control group (CG) as adjunct treatments to pharmacotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) in older persons. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Older persons clinically diagnosed with MDD (<i>n</i> = 27) and treated with antidepressants were blindly randomized into three groups: AT, ST and a CG. All patients were evaluated prior to and 12 weeks after the intervention. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Compared with the CG, the AT and ST groups showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms (treatment ­response = 50% decrease in the pre- to postintervention assessment) through the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (AT group: χ², <i>p</i> = 0.044) and Beck Depression Inventory (ST group: χ², <i>p</i> = 0.044). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Adding AT or ST with moderate intensity to the usual treatment promoted a greater reduction of MDD symptoms.