Efficiency observation of moderate-intensity exercise therapy combined with antidepressants in the treatment of patients with post-stroke depression

  Objective  To explore the clinical effect of moderate-intensity exercise therapy combined with antidepressants in the treatment of patients with post-stroke depression.

  Methods  Totally 45 patients with post-stroke depression were randomly divided into low-intensity exercise therapy combined with antidepressant treatment group (low intensity combination group), moderate-intensity exercise therapy combined with antidepressant treatment group (moderate-intensity combination group) and single antidepressant treatment group (single drug group), with 15 cases in each group. After 4 weeks of treatment, the changes of Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Activity of Daily Life Score (MBI) and Motor Function Score (FMA) before and after treatment were compared among the three groups.

  Results  After 4 weeks of treatment, HAMD score, MBI score and FMA score in low-intensity and moderate-intensity combination groups were significantly better than those before treatment (P < 0.05), while only HAMD score in single drug group was significantly better than that before treatment (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, HAMD score, MBI score and FMA score in moderate-intensity combination group were significantly better than those in low-intensity combination group and single drug group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  The effect of moderate-intensity exercise therapy combined with antidepressant is the best in treatment of patients with post-stroke depression.