Effect of aerobic exercises versus foot reflexology on post-menopausal depression

Abstract

Purpose: Aim of this study was to compare between aerobic exercise and foot reflexology effects on treatment of post-menopausal depression. Materials and Methods: Forty post-menopausal women complaining of mild to moderate depression selected randomly from outpatient clinic of neuropsychiatry, kafr Elsheikh hospital between March, 2015 and November 2015 were included in the study. Their age ranged from 45 to 55 years and their BMI from 25 to 35 kg/m2. They had no musculoskeletal or cardiovascular disorders, free diabetes, hypertension, and no history of neurological disorders. They were divided randomly into two groups equal in number: group A treated by aerobic exercise 40 minutes, three times/week for four weeks while group B was treated with foot reflexology for four weeks. Depression was evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before and after the program for both groups. Results: The obtained results showed a statistically significant decrease (p < 0.05) in depression in both groups; when both groups were compared, a statistically expressive writing moderated the relation between intrusive thoughts. Depressive symptoms significantly decreased in in group A compared to group B (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that aerobic exercise and foot reflexology are effective adjacent methods in reducing post-menopausal depression, but aerobic exercise is more effective than foot reflexology.