The Effect of aerobic exercises on depression among Adult Women

Introduction: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders affects 20 million adults every year. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy are commonly used for these patients. It seems necessary to promote alternative methods in regards of tardiness and side effects of these therapies. This study investigated the aerobic exercise effects on depression among adult women.Materials and Methods: In this quasi experimental study, 82 participants met criteria for depression based on a Beck Depression Inventory. 41 women participated in aerobic exercise program. These sessions lasted 3 hours a week for 4 weeks. Control group (n = 41) did not participate in any exercise activity.   Results: The results revealed significant improvement in depression (P < 0.05) compared with the witness group and before exercises so as to regarding Beck Depression Inventory (II), it was changed from mediocre to mild in control group and steady in witness group.Conclusion: Four weeks aerobic exercises can effectively reduce depression in women, and be used as a method of treatment in occupational therapy.Key words: Depression disorder, Aerobic exercise, Women, Beck Depression Inventory