Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under CC BY-NC 4.0 license
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Psychiatry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of physical activity as a therapeutic intervention for depression. However, recent research has highlighted the importance of incorporating psychological techniques, such as functional imagery, into exercise programs. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a combined physical activity and functional imagery program on psychological indices in individuals with major depressive disorder.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 60 patients with Major Depression Disorders (MDD) were randomly assigned to three groups: a physical activity group, a combined group (physical activity and functional imagery), and a control group. All participants were assessed at three time points: pre-intervention, post-intervention(8 weeks later), and follow-up (four weeks later). Measured variables included symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and reaction time.
Results: The combined group exhibited significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, along with improved reaction time compared to the control group. Both intervention groups effectively decreased symptoms of depression, but only the combined group showed improvements in sleep quality over the time.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that combining physical activity with functional imagery is a comprehensive and effective therapeutic approach for depression. This intervention not only reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety but also enhances motor-cognitive function. The results of this study can contribute to the improvement of treatment programs for patients with depression
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