Does an outdoor physical activity program improve the mental health status of adults with clinical depression?

DOES AN OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM IMPROVE THE
MENTAL HEALTH STATUS OF ADULTS WITH CLINICAL DEPRESSION?

ABSTRACT
Physical outdoor activities is an essential aspect that improves the mental health status of
depressed adults especially when they get clinical assistance. The present research study has
been emphasizing on the importance of physical activities program in improving the mental
health status of adults with clinical depression. In this respect, researcher has discussed how the
state of depression can be managed with the help of conducting outdoor physical activities. It has
been observed that depression usually impedes the mental status of individuals and as a result,
that sometimes also leads to suicidal attempts. Concentration on physical activities can assist the
adults to divert their mind and this can also help in overcoming the health problems that are
prevailing along with depression. Outdoor physical activities are crucial for the adults because
that not only helps them to remain fit; but also it aids in developing new feeling to live the life
happily.
Thus, it can be said that the present study has been emphasizing on the importance of
physical activities in improving mental health status of clinical depressed patients. Thus, in such
context focus has been laid on adults who have clinical depression because of many reasons and
factors. Therefore, according to the research title, the study has been focusing on involvement of
adults in physical activities and how it is considered as a remedy to deal with clinical depression.
Specific key terms are also used for the purpose of collecting data about the subject matter.
Depression, physical activities, mental health capacities and clinical depression are some of the
terms that are being used in the present study for data collection process.

Table of Contents
TITLE................................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................4
Rationale of the study..................................................................................................................5
Research questions.......................................................................................................................7
BACKGROUND OF THE TITLE............................................................................................................7
AIM AND OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................................7
LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................................................8
Use of clinical treatment in improving mental health status of depressed adults........................9
Effectiveness of outdoor physical activities in improving mental health status........................11
Issues of depression among adults.............................................................................................12
METHODOLOGY..............................................................................................................................13
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS................................................................................................................17
DISSEMINATION..............................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................20

TITLE
“Does an outdoor physical activity program improve the mental health status of adults with
clinical depression”?
INTRODUCTION
Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and
symptoms that shows that depression is affecting the mental health status of an individual.
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide and the deep despair and hopelessness that goes
along with depression can make the person attempt suicide (Lubans and et.al., 2016). In this
respect, the present research study has emphasized depression in adults which leads to anger and
agitation. In such state, people usually complain of headaches, stomach-aches and other physical
pain (Wheeler, Acord-Vira and Davis, 2016). However, in the study brief discussion is also
included about older adults who have issues related to depression. Thus, in this respect, older
adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of
depression (Vandvik, Brignardello-Petersen and Guyatt, 2016). It has been observed that among
adults, depression lasts for many years which affects the mental health capacity of the individual.
People with a typical depression experience a temporary mood lift in response to positive events
such as receiving good news or while out with friends (Dobbins, Husson, DeCorby and LaRocca,
2013).
The research study will be carried out through focusing on the adults who experience
more issues due to depression. Along with this, focus will also be laid on role of physical
outdoor services in managing the state of depression amid adults. Along with this, researcher will
also emphasize on social aspects that are associated with depression. In this way, various
research studies have been reviewed that are made on adults with depression. As per the research
background, focus has been laid on use of outdoor physical activities in improving mental health
status of adults (having depression) (Eldredge and et.al., 2016). In the study, opinion of different
authors such as (Dobbins, Eldredge and Fredriksen-Goldsen) have been taken into account so
that the importance of physical activities in managing clinical depression in adults can be stated.
Along with Fredriksen-Goldsen and et.al., 2014, there are several authors (Simmonds and et.al.,
2014) as well that have given contradict opinion about the subject matter due to difference in

opinion and views. Viewpoints of the above mentioned authors have been taken into account so
that to include all the aspects of the study in adequate manner.
Henceforth, specifying about the concept of the study, it is clear that focus has been laid
on adults (experiencing clinical depression). They are also selected to as to specify the benefits
of physical activities in managing clinical depression. In terms of research survey, adults with
depression have been selected so that they can give their opinion regarding the need of outdoor
physical activities in improving mental health status. In the subsequent study, research question
is identified as an issue because depression is more common in adults. The practices are
somewhere similar especially in the realm of care and treatment. However, this is a research
issue since number of people are experiencing issues because of clinical depression. A few are
also getting assistance from physical activities; however most of the people get assistance
through medicines and therapies (Fillenbaum, 2013). The current study has improved the
research skills of researcher because varied sources are assessed in this aspect. Therefore, in this
context focus has also been laid on searching various research articles which emphasizes on
adults having clinical depression. Moreover, in this context emphasis has also been given on
finding out the importance of physical activities on improving clinical depression.
In the present research study, different methods has been used under research
methodology because it is the major protocol through which the entire process of research work
can be initiated. This is also helpful in reducing biasness in the review process and along with
that, it also ensures that the procedures are not over influenced by the results of the studies. In
this section, the use of clear research method protocol is effective not only in guiding researchers
throughout the process; but also it helps in keeping record of every task (Simmonds and et.al.,
2014). At the same time, it is being selected because it improves the methodological
transparency of the review (Schmidt and Günther, 2016).
Rationale of the study
The present research proposal seems to be beneficial as that includes detailed information
about contribution of physical activities in treating adults (with clinical depression). In the
subsequent proposal, discussion has been included about all the methods which are available
with the adults while experiencing clinical depression. Depression is a state that is caused by
several reasons; hence in the present research proposal all such reasons have been discussed that

leads to depression among adults. The research proposal holds more importance because it
specifies how a depressed person can get assistance through conducting physical activities.
PICO FRAMEWORK
Research title study: Does an outdoor physical activity program improve the mental health
status of adults with clinical depression.
Study rationale: insert here.
Population: Adult patients who are getting clinical assistance to overcome depression.
Intervention: Outdoor physical activities.
Comparison: N/A
Outcome measure (primary):
 The degree of effectiveness of physical activities in improving mental health.
Outcome measure (secondary):
 Treatment effectiveness of the patients will be ascertained. This will be done through
analysing the health aspects of adults.
 At the same time, feedback will also collected from them on regular basis.
Aim and Objectives
Aim: To determine the effectiveness of outdoor physical activity program in improving the
mental health status of adults with clinical depression.
Objectives:
 To identify the significance of outdoor physical activities for adults facing depression
 To ascertain physical activities that are useful for mental health status