The Therapeutic Effect of Group Exercise on Depression Patients With and Without Comorbid Anxiety Symptoms A Secondary Data Analysis

Background Anxious major depressive disorder (aMDD) has worse outcomes. Exercise's effect on aMDD is uncertain. This study explores whether exercise benefits patients with depression accompanied by anxiety. Methods This is a post hoc analysis of a prospective, single-center, single-arm trial. Data from 40 major depressive disorder (MDD) patients at Beijing Anding Hospital (September of 2018 to December of 2020) were analyzed. Patients were categorized into anxious (aMDD) and non-anxious (naMDD) groups using the General Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7). Efficacy was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for Depression - 17 - item (HAMD-17) and other relevant scales over 8 weeks of supervised group exercise. Results Thirty-six of 40 enrolled patients (23 aMDD, 13 naMDD) completed 8-week treatment. Both groups showed significant HAMD-17 reductions (week 8: aMDD -9.87±4.01, naMDD -10.62±2.22; p>0.05), with response/remission rates 86.96%/78.26% (aMDD) and 92.31%/92.31% (naMDD). Conclusion Results show supervised group exercise benefits mild-to-moderate depression patients, regardless of anxiety, being a valuable treatment option.