Effects of Exercise in Children Suffering from Depression: A Review of the Literature from 2001-2007

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the scientiflc evidence on the effects of exercise in children with depression. Methods: Search was made in the Pubmed, CINAHL, ERIC, psycINFO and Sportdiscus from 2001 up to 2007. The selection criteria were studies written in English, with a population age up to 12 years old. Results: Seven studies were found. One of them did not meet the inclusion criteria: the main age of the study group was more than 12 years old. Finally, 6 studies were assessed: 2 correlation studies, 2 quasi-experimental design studies, 1 study control trial, not randomized study, and 1 RCT (Randomized Control Trial) study. Conclusion: Exercise program has positive psychological effects on children with depression. Further investigation, however is needed in this field.