Does ceasing exercise induce depressive symptoms? A systematic review of experimental trials including immunological and neurogenic markers

Abstract

Background: Regular exercise in adults improves depressive symptoms (DS) and major depressive disorder (MDD), however the clinical effects of ceasing exercise are largely unknown. Methods: Seven databases were searched from inception to December 2017. Eligibility criteria included English language studies investigating the effects of ceasing exercise on DS or MDD in regularly active adults with or without prior DS or MDD. Blood based markers related to exercise cessation (EC) were assessed, if recorded. Studies investigating exercise follow-up periods were excluded. Results: No studies investigated EC in MDD. Six studies including two RCTS and three studies investigating neurogenic and immun..