FEATURE: DEPRESSION AND EXERCISE DEPRESSION, EXERCISE & THE BRAIN Over the past few years, it has been consistently derived myokines that help to regulate been established by this individual reported that exercise is the metabolism of other organs (Btandt due to past exercise and health & Pederson 2010). experiences, and do they require good for the brain and additional support personnel or is one of the major Chen et al. (2010) also conducted resources to ensure a greater research to determine the relationship chance of adherence moving forward? strategies recommended between symptom severity, self-efficacy for exercise and depression in heart 5. Interpersonal relationships – who is in managing depression. transplant recipients in Taiwan and there supporting this individual or found 33% experienced mild to severe hindering them from recovering? depression after their transplant surgery. They found self-efficacy to 6. Systems – what belief systems has strength of synaptic connections and be an independent predictor of this individual grown up with and helps the brain to be more plastic depression, but their results indicated been surrounded by when it comes which increases problem solving the provision of health-care can increase to mental and physical health needs? and produces new neurons self-efficacy for exercise and could reduce recipients’ level of depression. 7. Preferred exercise activities – • Increases the quality of sleep increases the chances of maintaining (assisting memory) Similarly, complementary and alternative long-term lifestyle exercise behaviours. therapies such as tai chi and yoga have • Aerobic and strength training exercises also been suggested as interventions 8. Physical limitations – if the individual – 50% reduction in symptoms for individuals trying to manage has current / ongoing physical of depression (Singh et.al. 2001; depression (Chou et al. 2004). conditions that limit certain exercises, De Angeles 2002) it must be understood before an Prior to the prescription of exercise exercise program is prescribed. • Emotional benefits: self-esteem and as a treatment for depression, confidence / social interaction / coping a preliminary assessment of existing 9. Exercise holds many benefits patient concerns and personal issues physiologically, emotionally, • Strengthens your heart and lowers needs to be completed. This will ensure psychologically and socially for your blood pressure appropriate exercises, levels of exercise, individuals. These benefits are and a greater adherence to exercise is different for every individual, but • Improves muscle tone and strength made more realistic and safe. have been supported through many studies over the past decade. • Strengthens and builds bones An assessment of patient concerns and personal issues should include BENEFITS OF EXERCISE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS: the following: INCLUDE: • Minimum 30 minutes of moderate 1.Biological – is there a family history • Releasing feel-good brain chemicals intensity exercise at least 5 times of depression and/or other (dopamine and serotonin) per week (preferably every day). psychological disorders? • Reduce immune system chemicals • Increase levels of incidental exercise. 2. Emotions – are they fearful or excited This can be done by parking the car about exercise? What do they feel • Increase body temperature- further away from shops to walk comes with exercising? calming effect further, taking the stairs instead of elevators and lifts, etc. 3. Thoughts – does the individual believe • Increase corticol blood flow – they can contribute to their own return especially in lateral PFC. • Choose exercises you enjoy so to health? Do they have an optimistic exercising does not feel like a chore. and self-reliant approach? • Vigorous exercise burns cortisol – critical for brain derived neurotrophic • Assess existing barriers to exercise – 4. Behaviours – what avoidance factor (BDNF) functioning which refers if you have been making excuses then or approach behaviours have to proteins assisting the brain with you need to address these to ensure 26 VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 2 2018