Vigorous And Moderate-intensity Aerobic Exercise Increase Well-being And Reduce Psychological Distress In Depressed Individuals

Depression is a common mental disorder that affects millions worldwide. Exercise can improve mental health in individuals with depression; however, there is still insufficient evidence to indicate the ideal intensity of exercise for this population. Purpose: Investigate the impact of moderate and vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise on well-being, psychological distress, and fatigue in depressed individuals. Methods: Eleven clinically diagnosed and treating depression adults (F = 5, M = 6; Age:34 ± 9.46 yrs; Body mass:77.7 ± kg; Height:172 ± 9.09 cm; BMI:26.4 ± 2.96 kg/m2; Beck Depression Inventory Score:21.7 ± 10.2) underwent two exercise tests at intensities based on the %Vpeak of a treadmill maximal graded test separated by 7 days: 1)55% Vpeak for 30 minutes (moderate intensity); 2)85% Vpeak until volitional exhaustion (vigorous intensity). Subjects answered a Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale at baseline, immediately after, and 30 minutes after exercise. Data was compared using GEE (General Estimating Equations) based on normal distribution of the dependent variable and identity link function. Significance p ≤ 0.05. The protocol was approved by UNIFESP Ethics Committee (#4.286.307). Results: GEE analysis indicated effects for the well-being for both intensities (F1,50 = 14.62; p < 0.001) but not for time (p = 0.065) and interaction (p = 0.227). Bonferroni post hoc showed increased well-being immediately after (11.8 ± 4.68 vs 14.1 ± 5.85; p = 0.002) and 30 minutes after exercise (11.8 ± 4.68 vs 14.8 ± 5.86; p = 0.016). The analysis showed differences in psychological distress for time (F2,50 = 3.937; p = 0.026) but not for intensity (p = 0.116) and interaction, post hoc indicated decreased psychological distress 30 minutes after the end of exercise (10.2 ± 5.39 vs 7.91 ± 5.33; p = 0.047). GEE analysis did not indicate differences in fatigue for time (p = 0.226), intensity (p = 0.075) and interaction (p = 0.176). Conclusion: These results together expand the benefits of moderate exercise increasing well-being and reducing psychological distress in individuals with depression and add the possibility of using vigorous intensity aerobic exercise to improve well-being and reduce distress in this population. Supported by AFIP, CAPES (001 code), and CNPq grants 142402/2020-6 and 313405/2020-4