This network meta-analysis examined exercise therapies for patients with post-stroke depression. The researchers included nearly 2,400 participants across multiple studies. Interventions ranged from aerobic exercise and yoga to Tai Chi and resistance training. The control group received standard care without specific exercise programs.
The analysis showed that exercise therapies significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to the control group. Scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale were lower for those doing exercise. The study also found improvements in daily living abilities and balance function. Motor function scores were highest for specific exercise types like rehabilitation training.
Safety data were not reported in the included studies. The researchers noted several limitations, including small sample sizes for some outcomes and short follow-up durations. The overall methodological quality of the studies was limited. These findings require further validation through high-quality, large-sample, long-term randomized controlled trials. Exercise therapy can serve as an effective adjunctive intervention in the comprehensive management of post-stroke depression.