Effect of Exercise on Depressive Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis
Date
2020
Authors
Ahola, Kristiina
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Thesis
Citation
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
Background: Depression is debilitating and highly prevalent among adults with multiple
sclerosis (MS). Exercise may reduce symptoms of depression; however, the different biases
present in uncontrolled studies could overestimate, or underestimate, noted treatment effects.
Aim: To review the available evidence for the effectiveness of exercise training targeted to
MS based on the ‘gold’ standard randomised controlled trial. Methods: Fifteen independent
studies, comprising a pooled sample of 544 adults with relapsing-remitting or progressive
MS, were identified from the Cochrane Library, Embase, PEDro, PsycINFO, and PubMed
databases. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed with the PEDro
scale. Hedges’ g, fail-safe Ns, heterogeneity, and p-values were calculated using random
effects modelling. The moderating effects of exercise type (aerobic vs. nonaerobic), exercise
volume (i.e., total number of sessions), and baseline depression scores were additionally
examined. Results: Most studies reported adequate methodological details, although
blinding of participants and administering therapists were criteria unfulfilled. Exercise
programs resulted in immediate and large improvements in mood (g = .79, 95% CI [.39,
1.19], p < .01). However, conclusions could not be drawn for longer-term effectiveness (g =
-.18, 95% CI [-.50, .14], p = .28; Nstudies = 4). Univariate meta-regressions revealed a
significant moderating effect for exercise volume. Depressed adults who took part in
exercise programs also displayed significantly greater improvements than controls.
Conclusion: Exercise efficacy for post-MS depression can be maximised by bolstering
session volume and duration for those who are most prone to respond. The influence of
exercise type on depression outcomes remains unclear.
School/Discipline
School of Psychology
Dissertation Note
Thesis (B.PsychSc(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2020
Provenance
This electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses.
Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the author of this thesis and do not wish it to be made publicly available, or you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legals
Description
This item is only available electronically.