The perceptions of exercise among patients with clinical depression

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to ultimately gain better knowledge on how the participants feel towards exercise in order to obtain a better understanding of why exercise in Malta is not considered a valid tool in treating depression and to encourage other physiotherapists to further investigate this neglected area. Method: The tool chosen for this study was a semi – structured interview, where a set of 10 questions were structured to act as a guide according to the relevant literature by the researcher and with the help of the researcher’s supervisor. In total seven participants were interviewed who were suffering from clinical depression and were over the age of 18. Results: Four themes emerged from the seven interviews. The themes noted are the participants’ general perceptions, barriers towards exercise, exercise as part of the treatment and, lastly, patients’ suggestions. Conclusion: The findings suggest that patients with depression do believe that exercise is beneficial in treating depression. However, there are several barriers that hinder them from doing so. Physiotherapists are well positioned in contributing to eliminate some of these barriers by raising more public awareness and liaising with other mental health care professionals in order to render exercise more effective and make exercise more acceptable and accessible in treating depression.