Exercise for depression in older adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials adjusting for publication bias

Objective: To evaluate the antidepressant effects of exercise in older adults, using randomized controlled trial (RCT) data. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of exercise in older adults, addressing limitations of previous works. RCTs of exercise interventions in older people with depression (≥ 60 years) comparing exercise vs. control were eligible. A random-effects meta-analysis calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD) (95% confidence interval [95%CI]), meta-regressions, and trim, fill, and fail-safe number analyses were conducted. Results: Eight RCTs were included, represe...