Aerobic exercise for adolescent outpatients with persistent major depression: Feasibility and acceptability of moderate to vigorous group exercise in a clinically referred sample.

Abstract

AIMS\nTo assess feasibility and acceptability of exercise in clinically referred adolescents with major depression.\n\n\nMETHODS\nOutpatients12 to 17\u2009years with mild to moderate persistent depression participated in a supervised, pulse monitored, 14-week aerobic exercise but without control group. Primary outcome was adherence and secondary was clinician-rated Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Adolescent (QIDS-A17-C), aerobic capacity, functioning, and well-being.\n\n\nRESULTS\nTwenty-one (66%) of 32 eligible adolescents with major depression with disease duration 2.4 (1.1-5.3) years and comorbid ADHD (71%) and anxiety disorders (62%) consented. Estimated maximum heart rate above 70% was achieved for mean 31.6\u2009minutes, indicating that the intensity and duration of the exercise intervention was well received. Fourteen patients (67%) participated throughout the program and attended a median of 29 (81%, range 20-35) supporting satisfaction with the intervention by most patients. QIDS-A17-C score decreased compared to baseline at 15\u2009weeks (p\u2009<\u2009.001) and further at 1\u2009year (p\u2009<\u2009.001). Aerobic capacity improved during the intervention but was not maintained, while functioning improved and after 1\u2009year also well-being.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThis 14\u2009week moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise intervention was feasible and well accepted by most adolescents with persistent depression and extensive comorbidities.