Exercise and Depression

Range of Motion offers Exercise Physiologist designed one-on-one exercise sessions for individuals with this condition. Book a complimentary consultation or contact us to find out more.

The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Based on guidelines provided by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Condition Overview:

Mental illness is a significant behavioural or psychological syndrome that is associated with distress or disability. It has elements in:

  • Psychological dysfunction.
  • Biological dysfunction.
  • Behavioural dysfunction.

Short Term Response to Exercise:

The presence of a form of mental illness does not have a direct impact on a single exercise session, though medications for that condition may have an affect. Mental illnesses are often accompanied by an associated condition which can often cause a specific exercise response.

Long Term Response to Exercise:

From a physical point of view, supervised exercise training has been shown to create favourable changes in:

  • Fitness
  • Performance time
  • Body composition

Changes in psychological profiles revolve around a considerable antidepressive effect and include:

  • Improved mood.
  • Improved self concept.
  • Improved work behaviour.
  • Decreased depression and anxiety.

Condition Management:

Pharmocological therapy is common for sufferers of mental illness, with antianxiety, antidepressants and anti-psychotic drugs often prescribed. The effects of these medication on exercise response should be carefully considered.

Skrinar, G. S., (2003). Mental Illness. In: Durstine, J. L., Moore, G. E. (2003), ACSM’s Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities 2nd Ed. (pp 316-319) American College of Sports Medicine, Human Kinetics.

Dan Williams

Dan Williams

Founder/Director

Dan Williams is the Director of Range of Motion and leads a team of Exercise Physiologists, Sports Scientists, Physiotherapists and Coaches. He has a Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Health Science) and a Postgraduate Bachelor of Exercise Rehabilitation Science from The University of Western Australia, with minors in Biomechanics and Sport Psychology.

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