Effect of combined aerobic and resistance training with self-selected intensity on clinical parameters and fitness in a patient with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder : a case report

Abstract

Background: This case study assessed the effects of a combined aerobic and resistance training intervention with self-selected exercise intensity in a patient with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder.

Case presentation: A 24-year-old Brazilian female patient (1.57 m, 62.6 kg), sedentary, with a clinical diagnosis of mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (F41.2 according to ICD-10) for 9 months participated in this case report study. Aerobic exercise and resistance exercise were performed within the same session, 5 days/week for 8 weeks. The physiological demand (heart rate), load, and psychophysiological responses were measured during the training sessions. Training compliance was 64.3% and self-selected exercise intensity was moderate for aerobic exercise and light for resistance exercise. Exercise sessions were subjectively perceived as pleasant and of moderate intensity. There were clinically significant improvements in depressive symptoms (ΔBeck Depression Inventory-II = −15), trace anxiety (ΔState-Trait Anxiety Inventory = −25), sleep quality (ΔPittsburgh Sleep Quality Index = −8), quality of life (ΔWorld Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief: +33.7), and depressive status assessed by a psychiatrist. Aerobic fitness (+7.7%) and muscle strength (+13.5%) improved after the 8 weeks of training.

Conclusion: Combined aerobic and resistance exercise with self-selected exercise intensity is a promising tool for improving clinical and fitness outcomes in patients with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. While this case report offers valuable preliminary insights, further research featuring larger samples, control groups, robust study designs, extended intervention durations, and comprehensive follow-up assessments is essential to substantiate these findings.