Effects of Different Aerobic Exercise Protocols on Depression in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Background: Depression is common among patients recovering from myocardial infarction and is associated with poor outcomes. Aerobic exercise has been proposed as a beneficial intervention for improving cardiovascular and mental health. Objective: To evaluate the effects of various aerobic exercise protocols on depression in patients with myocardial infarction. Methodology: In this randomized controlled trial, 50 patients recovering from myocardial infarction were taken from various cardiac hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan over six months and randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups: low, moderate, and high-intensity interval training. The sample includes both male and female patients aged 40 to 65 years and those recovering from myocardial infarction. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory at baseline, 6th and 12th week post-intervention. Exercise adherence and safety were monitored throughout the study. A demographic proforma/myocardial infarction Checklist was used to gather data on patients' age, gender, occupation, and details related to their medical history and the severity of their myocardial infarction. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise demographics and depression scores, while inferential statistics, such as t-tests or chi-square tests, were applied to explore the relationships between exercise intervention and depressive symptoms. Results: A significant reduction in depressive symptoms was observed in all exercise groups, with the high-intensity interval training group showing the greatest improvement in depression scores compared to the low and moderate-intensity groups. Exercise adherence rates were highest in the moderate-intensity group, while high-intensity interval training demonstrated the most significant physiological improvements in cardiovascular fitness. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise, particularly high-intensity interval training, appears to be an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms in patients recovering from myocardial infarction. Incorporating structured aerobic exercise into recovery programs may enhance both psychological and physical health outcomes.