Can Exercise Reduce the Likelihood of Depression? | Research Paper

Running head: DEPRESSION
DEPRESSION
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

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Introduction:
With the global burden of disease, mental health issue has emerged as the leading cause
of premature mortality around the globe, the United States is no exception to it (Patten et al.,
2018). Therefore, this paper aims to provide a summary of six articles based on the research
question that was designed for guiding the research. The guiding research question in this
context would be “Can exercise reduce the likelihood of depression?” The rationale behind
choosing this research question is that 1 out 5 individuals U.S. adults experience mental
illness each year, especially depression (Neufeld et al., 2020). One in 6 youths aged 6 to 17
years’ experience depression in the US that impacted their quality of life. Mild to moderate
exercise reduces depression by improving cognitive functioning and self-esteem.
Discussion:
First article:
Chekroud et al. (2018), directed a cross-sectional study where data from Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System survey (2011-
2015) of 1 237194 individuals aged 18 years in United States were analyzed. The researchers
linked the bad mental health between persons involved in the exercise and individuals did not
involve in the exercise. The type of exercise and frequency was also recorded using the
regression method. The findings of the research suggested that physical activity is associated
with lower depressive symptoms due to the fact that exercise increases the release of β-
endorphins hormone. Moreover, exercise induces an availability of brain neurotransmitters such
as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine that can reduce depression and improve mood.
Therefore, aerobic exercises for 45 minutes between 3 to 5 times a weeks are associated with

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improve mental health as it reduces stress by increasing secretion of neurotransmitter. Mindful
exercises such as yoga, tai chi and walking are also effective interventions that can reduce mild
to moderate depression. However, the limitation of the study is that self-reported data of the
participants that contributed to biases of the result as personal biases are present during self-
assessment.
Second article:
Wolf and Rosenstock (2017) conducted an online survey in Fall 2012 and Winter 2013
on the college students of University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh regarding the
relationship of inadequate sleep, inadequate exercise and depression. The response rate of the
survey was 28.7% for freshman year and 22.6% for the middle school years. The findings of the
result suggested that decreased exercise frequency along with sleep are associated with limited
professional efficacy. On the other hand, students who sleep more than 7 hours and involved in
physicals activities more likely to have reduced symptoms of depression and improved academic
performance. Aerobic exercises with adequate intensity and adequate sleep more likely to
improve cognitive functioning, facilitate the secretion of the endorphin and neurotransmitter
dopamine. Endorphin facilitate mood by increasing the dopamine production, accounting for
improving mood. In this context, it improves the mental health of the students and improves their
academic performance and critical thinking. The limitation of the study was the low response
rate of the survey negatively impacted the quality of the result. Comprehensive primary study
such as randomized controlled trial is required to conduct for obtaining accurate correlation.
Third article:
Lavebratt et al. (2017), conducted a randomized control trail on 116 depressed adults in
order to assess the impact of exercise on the depressed adult. A total 116 Participants were