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Physical Activity Promotes Health and Reduces Cardiovascular Mortality in Depressed Populations: A Literature Overview

Author

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  • Martino Belvederi Murri

    (Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64a, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to the manuscript.)

  • Federica Folesani

    (Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64a, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to the manuscript.)

  • Luigi Zerbinati

    (Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64a, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Maria Giulia Nanni

    (Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64a, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Heifa Ounalli

    (Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64a, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Rosangela Caruso

    (Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64a, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Luigi Grassi

    (Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64a, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

Major depression is associated with premature mortality, largely explained by heightened cardiovascular burden. This narrative review summarizes secondary literature (i.e., reviews and meta-analyses) on this topic, considering physical exercise as a potential tool to counteract this alarming phenomenon. Compared to healthy controls, individuals with depression consistently present heightened cardiovascular risk, including “classical” risk factors and dysregulation of pertinent homeostatic systems (immune system, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system). Ultimately, both genetic background and behavioral abnormalities contribute to explain the link between depression and cardiovascular mortality. Physical inactivity is particularly common in depressed populations and may represent an elective therapeutic target to address premature mortality. Exercise-based interventions, in fact, have proven effective reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality through different mechanisms, although evidence still needs to be replicated in depressed populations. Notably, exercise also directly improves depressive symptoms. Despite its potential, however, exercise remains under-prescribed to depressed individuals. Public health may be the ideal setting to develop and disseminate initiatives that promote the prescription and delivery of exercise-based interventions, with a particular focus on their cost-effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Martino Belvederi Murri & Federica Folesani & Luigi Zerbinati & Maria Giulia Nanni & Heifa Ounalli & Rosangela Caruso & Luigi Grassi, 2020. "Physical Activity Promotes Health and Reduces Cardiovascular Mortality in Depressed Populations: A Literature Overview," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:15:p:5545-:d:392675
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Park, A-La & McDaid, David & Weiser, Prisca & von Gottberg, Carolin & Becker, Thomas & Kilian, Reinhold, 2013. "Examining the cost effectiveness of interventions to promote the physical health of people with mental health problems: a systematic review," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 52157, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    2. Ahmad Salman & Kingsley Nnanna Ukwaja & Ahmad Alkhatib, 2019. "Factors Associated with Meeting Current Recommendation for Physical Activity in Scottish Adults with Diabetes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-10, October.
    3. Ahmad Salman & Maha Sellami & Abdulla Saeed AL-Mohannadi & Sungsoo Chun, 2019. "The Associations between Mental Well-Being and Adherence to Physical Activity Guidelines in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: Results from the Scottish Health Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-13, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Luciana Zaccagni, 2021. "Physical Activity for Health and Wellness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-6, July.
    2. Xueyin Wang & Jiangli Di & Gengli Zhao & Linhong Wang & Xiaosong Zhang, 2021. "Association of Nighttime Sleep Duration with Depressive Symptoms and Its Interaction with Regular Physical Activity among Chinese Adolescent Girls," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-11, October.
    3. Frida Eek & Caroline Larsson & Anita Wisén & Eva Ekvall Hansson, 2021. "Self-Perceived Changes in Physical Activity and the Relation to Life Satisfaction and Rated Physical Capacity in Swedish Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Cross Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-14, January.

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