The Effects of Physical Exercise on Depression for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: a Systematic Review

Purpose of Review This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of exercise on depressive symptoms in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Recent Findings Individuals with SCI have a greater risk of depression than non-disabled individuals, with the percentage of those meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria for major depression at a rate of 11.4%. Out of the nine selected articles, all but one demonstrated improvement in a psychological outcome; however, only six studies revealed statistically significant reductions in depression. The results in the reviewed studies provide limited evidence that physical activity may be an effective treatment in reducing depression symptoms and improving the mental health of individuals with SCI. Further research is required to provide greater confidence in the effects of physical exercise on depression in those with SCI.