Effect of anaquatic exercise on depression level in male elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders of old age. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an aquatic exercise program on the depression levels of the elderly male people. Materials and Methods: Thirty elderly male subjects (mean age: 68.46 ± 5.19 y, mean weight: 64.66 ±4.72 kg, mean height: 167 ± 4.25 m) were randomly assigned to either a control or experimental group. The experimental group participated in aquatic exercises three days a week for six weeks. The control group asked to continue their routine activities. Depression levels were evaluated using Beck test in two groups before and after the aquatic exercises. Descriptive statistics, independent and paired samples t test applied for statistical analysis (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Paired sample t test showed that depression status significantly differed between pre- and post-treatments for the experimental group while no differences observed in the control group. Also significant differences were seen between two groups. Conclusion: Aquatic exercise was successful in significantly decreasing older men’s depression and can be considered as an effective intervention. Keywords: Aquatic exercise, Depression, Elderly