A 10-week community-based progressive resistance training program did not significantly reduce depressive symptoms compared to brief advice in older adults (adjusted GDS difference 0.59, p=0.11).
RCT (n=38)
Single-blind
Block randomized list
Yes
Does a community-based progressive resistance training program reduce depressive symptoms in older people with depressive symptoms?
A community-based progressive resistance training program is feasible for older people with depressive symptoms, though this pilot study was underpowered to show a statistically significant reduction in depression compared to brief advice.
Effect estimate: Adjusted mean difference 0.59 (95% CI -2.59, 4.38)
Absolute Event Rate: 12.23% vs 12%
p-value: p=0.11
BACKGROUND: Depression is a disabling, prevalent condition. Physical activity programs may assist depression management in older people, ameliorate co-morbid conditions and reduce the need for antidepressants. The UPLIFT pilot study assessed the feasibility of older depressed people attending a community-based progressive resistance training (PRT) program. The study also aimed to determine whether PRT improves depressive status in older depressed patients. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial was conducted. People aged > or = 65 years with depressive symptoms were recruited via general practices. Following baseline assessment, subjects were randomly allocated to attend a local PRT program three times per week for 10 weeks or a brief advice control group. Follow-up assessment of depressive status, physical and psychological health, functional and quality of life status occurred post intervention and at six months. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty six people responded to the study invitation, of whom 22% had depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS-30 score > or = 11). Thirty two people entered the trial. There were no significant group differences on the GDS at follow-up. At six months there was a trend for the PRT intervention group to have lower GDS scores than the comparison group, but this finding did not reach significance (p = 0.08). More of the PRT group (57%) had a reduction in depressive symptoms post program, compared to 44% of the control group. It was not possible to discern which specific components of the program influenced its impact, but in post hoc analyses, improvement in depressive status appeared to be associated with the number of exercise sessions completed (r = -0.8, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The UPLIFT pilot study confirmed that older people with depression can be successfully recruited to a community based PRT program. The program can be offered by existing community-based facilities, enabling its ongoing implementation for the potential benefit of other older people.
Sims et al. (Thu,) conducted a rct in Depressive symptoms (n=38). Progressive resistance training (PRT) vs. Brief advice was evaluated on Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score at 10 weeks (Adjusted mean difference 0.59, 95% CI -2.59, 4.38, p=0.11). A 10-week community-based progressive resistance training program did not significantly reduce depressive symptoms compared to brief advice in older adults (adjusted GDS difference 0.59, p=0.11).