The effects of physical exercise on depressive symptoms among the aged: a systematic review
International Journal of Geriatric PsychiatryPublished 1 May 2006Open access
Noora Sjösten, Sirkka‐Liisa Kivelä
Citations241
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score1.22
SNIP1.20
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TL;DR
To determine the effects of physical exercise on depression or depressive symptoms among the aged, a large number of patients with a history of depression or depression-like symptoms are surveyed.
Abstract
Physical exercise may be efficient in reducing clinical depression and depressive symptoms in the short-term among the aged suffering from depression or a high amount of depressive symptoms. More well controlled studies are needed.
Keywords
MedicineHealth Professions
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