Effect of a physiotherapy protocol in treatment of depression in women: A longitudinal study

Purpose. Depression is a widespread condition impacting global health. This study explored the effectiveness of a physiotherapy protocol in treating depression in women with major depression. Methods. Forty women aged 28–56 years with depression participated in the study. Random selection was used to divide them into two equal groups. Participants in the study group received selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and physiotherapy, while the control group participants were treated with SSRIs alone. Depression levels were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at five intervals: before treatment, after 2 weeks, after 4 weeks, and at 1- and 2-month follow-ups. Results. Both groups showed significant reductions in BDI-II scores at each time point compared to pre-treatment (p < 0.001). The study group demonstrated further significant decreases at 4 weeks post-treatment and at the 1-month follow-up compared to 2 weeks post-treatment (p = 0.01), but an increase at the 2-month follow-up compared to the 1-month follow-up (p < 0.001). The control group exhibited significant decreases at the 1- and 2-month follow-ups compared to 2 weeks post-treatment (p < 0.01) and at the 2-month follow-up compared to the 1-month follow-up (p < 0.01), but no significant differences between 2- and 4-weeks post-treatment (p > 0.05). Between the groups, the study group had greater decreases at 2 weeks (p < 0.05), 4 weeks (p < 0.001), and the 1-month follow-up (p < 0.01), with no significant differences at 2 months (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Combining manual therapy, exercise, and SSRIs effectively reduces depressive symptoms in the short term in women with major depression, highlighting the importance of physiotherapy in managing depression.