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Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function and Symptoms in Patients with Depression

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Abstract

In the present study, an effort was made to explore the effect of aerobic exercise on cognitive function and symptoms in patients with depression. One hundred and twenty-five cases of patients with cognitive function were divided into experimental group (n = 63) and control group (n = 62). In the experimental group, aerobic exercise was carried out combined with coexisting drug therapy, while in the control group, patients received drug therapy only. All patients received the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) assessing and the neuropsychological testing three times (0, 4th and 8th week). The neuropsychological testing included the following tests: trail making test (TMT), continuous performance test (CPT), digit span test, visual reproduction test and verbal fluency test (VFT). The differences in cognitive function and HAMD score between the two groups were compared. At 0 week, the cognitive function and HAMD score were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). After 4 weeks of aerobic exercise training, the VF, TMT-B and HAMD score were improved in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After 8 weeks, the VFT, CPT, TMT and HAMD score were significantly improved in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.01). Aerobic exercise might could improve the cognitive function and symptoms in patients with depression.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Taizhou Second People’s Hospital, Taizhou, China

    Jinli Zhang & Tongxian Chen

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  1. Jinli Zhang
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  2. Tongxian Chen
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Correspondence to Tongxian Chen.

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Zhang, J., Chen, T. Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function and Symptoms in Patients with Depression. Natl. Acad. Sci. Lett. 42, 419–421 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-018-0769-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-018-0769-0

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