Effect of Treadmill Exercise on Depressive and Neurotransmitters in College Women with Depressive Symptoms

This research examined the effect of 12 weeks moderate aerobic exercise on the improvement of depressive degree and changes of neurotransmitters concentration in college women with depressive symptoms. Of the total of 43 female university students who voluntarily participated, 16 students with depressive symptoms (18-21) were selected through the BDI test, and each 8 students were randomly assigned to an exercise group and a control group. Through the exercise tolerance test, the HRmax and the V·O2max of each participant were measured, and the exercise level was set based on the result. This exercise had been conducted at HRmax 70% level for 40 minutes, three times a week for 12 weeks. The BDI test, dopamine and Norepinephrine showed a showed a significant difference in the main effects-interaction, groups and the period. the exercise group`s depression levels significantly declined compared to those of the control group. the exercise group`s serotonin concentration significantly declined compared to those of the control group. the exercise group`s norepinephrine concentration significantly declined compared to those of the control group. The Dopamine showed a significant difference in the main effects-the period. however, it didn`t show a significant difference in interaction and groups. In conclusion, the measurement of depression and the changes in neurotransmitters of the exercise group and the control group explain that one`s depressive symptoms and mental exhaustion can be effectively improved by participating in regular aerobic exercise.