AEROBIC RUNNING AS A TREATMENT FOR MODERATE DEPRESSION

Testimonials and experimental studies have been written on the positive effects of running on mental health. To expand on these effects a pilot study was first initiated using two former in-patients in a psychiatric hospital. After 3 wk. Patient 1 reduced his depression scores on the Zung Depression Scale sufficiently (18 points) to move from the category of 'moderately depressed' to 'mildly depressed.' Patient 2 reduced her depression score 15 points to move from the 'moderate depression' range to the range of 'minimal depression.' Both patients reduced scores on decision time, reaction time, and writing numbers backward. Because this design does not satisfy the fundamental criteria for experimental methodology, one should, of course, be cautious in interpreting the results.