Exercise training as an alternative treatment for depression among older adults.

This article reviews the current literature related to exercise treatment and depression among older adults. Results from investigational studies support the antidepressive effects of exercise programs. Aerobic exercise is more effective than placebo or no treatment controls, and appears to be as effective as more traditional treatment methods. However, a number of potential methodological problems leave the issue of exercise therapy for the treatment of depression unsettled. Some possible directions for future research are discussed, along with clinical recommendations.