Exercise for depressive symptoms in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that examined the effects of structured exercise on depressive symptoms in stroke patients.

Methods

We searched for published randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of structured exercise programs (e.g. functional, resistance, or aerobic training) on depressive symptoms. The mean effect size, a 95% confidence interval (CI) and I-squared (I²) for heterogeneity were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results

Thirteen studies (n = 1022) were included in the meta-analysis. Exercise resulted in less depressive symptoms immediately after the exercise program ended, standardized mean difference = -0.13 [95% CI = -0.26, -0.01], I² = 6%, p

SUBMITTER: Eng JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4591069 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature