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Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2017 Mar;267(2):117-121. doi: 10.1007/s00406-016-0719-0. Epub 2016 Aug 2.

Monoamines and cortisol as potential mediators of the relationship between exercise and depressive symptoms.

Author information

1
Centre of Research, Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal. larafcarneiro@gmail.com.
2
Centre of Research, Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
3
Psychiatry and Mental Health Clinic, Centro Hospitalar São João, Porto, Portugal.
4
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
5
REQUIMTE, LAQV/Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
6
Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
7
Department of Education and Psychology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.

Abstract

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effects of exercise plus pharmacotherapy on monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin) and cortisol levels. A total of 26 women with clinical depression were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: aerobic exercise plus pharmacotherapy or only pharmacotherapy. The exercise program consisted of aerobic exercise, 45-50 min/session, three times/week, for 16 weeks. The biological parameters were measured before and after the exercise program. Adding exercise to pharmacotherapy had no additional effects on monoamines and cortisol plasma levels. These data are preliminary outcomes from a small sample and should be replicated.

KEYWORDS:

Aerobic exercise; Catecholamines; Cortisol; Depression; Women

PMID:
27484978
DOI:
10.1007/s00406-016-0719-0
[Indexed for MEDLINE]

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