The Effect of Physical Exercise on Depression - Research Paper Example

?Depression and exercise Introduction Depression is a major health issue in the society, which is may lead to death by suicide. Depression can be solved by using several approaches developed in the health sectors including the use of physical activities as part of the therapy process. The success of physical activities in treating depression is debatable but from the research conducted indicates that depression leads to reduced activity of the person and allows for effective and successful treatment of depression. Regular physical exercise may improve physiological and psychological factors in depressive persons and help overcome the problem. To understand the situation, several models of evaluation can be used in the process of evaluating of the impact of physical activity on the health. Cognitive model of depression postulates three main mechanisms for understanding the depression. The first concept shared by Beck is negative thinking and the creation of personal errors. The malfunction in information handling may be catastrophic and they include serious problem in overcoming strenuous conditions and situations. However, physical activities may be effective in dealing with psychological activities. Bandura illustrates depression in terms of negative thinking and self-belief (Gard, 2011, p. 23). The negative thinking may be the experience of failure or the belief of failure to overcome. Such personal issues affect the success of overcoming depression. The person may need to address the personal thinking and reduction of negative attributes. There are several positive effects of physical activity on human physiology. Exercise has a positive impact on health including the reduction of obesity, cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. The impact of physical exercise on reducing depression can be ascertained through research and evaluation of its use in the treatment of disorders. Research question Physical exercises have been employed by humans in maintaining good health. The concept of extra-curriculum activities has been shared by the academicians in schools to improve the grades of the learners. Can the same be concept be employed in the treatment of depression? Hypothesis Physical activities can be effective in the treatment of depression because of the impact of exercises in changing the chemical and hormonal composition of the body. Therefore, exercises can be used medical practitioners to handle depression. The treatment process is effective in handling of depression and is also effective in solving issues of reduced mobility resulting from depression. How effective is the physical exercise in the treatment of depression. Limitation of research The research on the effectiveness of physical activity as a method of depression treatment cannot be effectively measured by the use of the different approach in depression measurement. However, the chemistry involved in the process is articulately described by several researchers in the field. In spite of the diverse data presented by the researchers, several factors may affect the outcome of the research (Mata, Thompson, Susanne M. Jaeggi, & Gotlib, 2010, p. 288). These factors include age, BMI, attitude and acceptance. The finding of the research is not conclusive in all studies because of the diverse nature of the variation in personal health. Research methodology In the study conducted the research will be conducted by evaluating the findings of various researchers in evaluating the effectiveness and success of physical exercises in the treatment of depression. Through the evaluation of the various research findings in the academic activities, the impact of exercise in the process can be estimated and the success of the process evaluated. The major articles to be employed in the process are peer-reviewed journal articles and relevant books and other academic sources that can be evaluated and be improved in the process. The population of the study will include 100 participants evaluated by the health care professionals to ascertain the level of depression in order to have a target population. The sampling process involved is the random block sampling which includes the choosing of individuals within the randomized blocks. The sampling procedure employed in the process must be effective in identifying the affected population and make an accurate choice in the process making the research credible. The location of the research will be in hospitals and local university which are the main areas of stress in the society Research findings From the evaluation of two scholarly articles on the impact of exercise in combating depression can be clearly illustrated by the success of the various approaches employed. According to the article by Eriksson and Gard which involves conducting a systematic review of the studies conducted. The result of review of eight studies indicated massive success. Seven out of the eight studies showed significant improvement of the mood of the patients after engaging in the process. Three studies measured the increase in aerobic capacities with the correlated mood improvements. One study showed a correlation between increased muscle strength and reduced feeling of depression. Physical exercise is an effective treatment against depression. A mood enhancing effect associated with the exercise was identified in the interventions of the mechanism of action. The research was not conclusive because of several flaws that must be addressed using clinical methods that can address the assumptions. However, from the research conducted indicates the success of exercise in the treatment of depression. A review by Gotlib indicates that the success of the exercise in solving the depression problem is maximized. However, the type of depression and the attitude the patient will influence the recovery or treatment process. In line with the changes in the process specifications, the evaluation of the different levels of depression will facilitate the success of treatment programs which include the development of the exercise plan and the development of motivation. Conclusion The impact of exercise in combating stress and depression is evident based on the date provided on the success of the process. The success of the whole process depends on the approach taken by the researcher in handling the rate research and the level of depression of the individuals with the main focus research being the main focus of the research. The relevance the research in the society is dependent on the understanding of the level of depression and the involvement of the participants in the process directly with the main focus being on the planning he exercises. The findings are important because they encourage the society to adopt the use of exercise in fighting depression. Reference Gard, S. E. (2011). Physical exercise and depression. Physical Therapy Reviews, 12-17. Mata, J., Thompson, R. J., Susanne M. Jaeggi, M. B., & Gotlib, I. H. (2010). Walk on the Bright Side:Physical Activity and Affect in Major Depressive Disorder. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND AFFECT IN MDD, 288-302. Read More