Optimal Exercise Dose for Depression in Older Adults: Network Meta-Analysis
What’s the best exercise for depression in older adults?
Network meta-analysis identifies optimal exercise types and doses for improving depressive symptoms in older adults with clear evidence-based prescriptions. Multiple exercise types show benefits. Key findings:
- Optimal exercise types - specific types most effective for older adults
- Dose-response relationships - clear guidance on exercise amount needed
- Evidence-based prescriptions - network meta-analysis provides recommendations
- Older adult specific - tailored to this vulnerable population
A comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis published in BMC Geriatrics examined the optimal dose and type of exercise to improve depressive symptoms in older adults. This meta-analysis specifically examined dose-response relationships to provide evidence-based exercise prescriptions, addressing the unclear optimal dosing for different exercise types in this population.