Biological Rationale for Regular Physical Exercise as an Effective Intervention for the Prevention and Treatment of Depressive Disorders

Title:Biological Rationale for Regular Physical Exercise as an Effective Intervention for the Prevention and Treatment of Depressive Disorders

Volume: 22 Issue: 24

Author(s): Helios Pareja-Galeano, Sara Mayero, María Perales, Nuria Garatachea, Alejandro Santos-Lozano, Carmen Fiuza-Luces, Enzo Emanuele, Beatriz G. Gálvez, Fabian Sanchis-Gomar and Alejandro Lucia

Affiliation:

Keywords: Major depression, physical activity, neurogenesis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, serotonin, antidepressant.

Abstract: Depression is a major medical and social problem. Here we review current body of knowledge on the benefits of exercise as an effective strategy for both the prevention and treatment of this condition. We also analyze the biological pathways involved in such potential benefits, which include changes in neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress and inflammation, telomere length, brain volume and microvessels, neurotransmitters or hormones. We also identify major caveats in this field of research: further studies are needed to identify which are the most appropriate types of exercise interventions (intensity, duration, or frequency) to treat and prevent depression.

Cite this article as:

Pareja-Galeano Helios, Mayero Sara, Perales María, Garatachea Nuria, Santos-Lozano Alejandro, Fiuza-Luces Carmen, Emanuele Enzo, Gálvez G. Beatriz, Sanchis-Gomar Fabian and Lucia Alejandro, Biological Rationale for Regular Physical Exercise as an Effective Intervention for the Prevention and Treatment of Depressive Disorders, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2016; 22 (24) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612822666160322144537