Effects of Group Exercise (Sports Team) on Hospitalized Depressed Patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of group exercise on depression. The quasi experimental method (pretest, post test) was conducted. 35 hospitalized depressed patients participated in this research. 20 patients had interested in the group exercise were assigned to the experimental group and 15 patients were assigned to the control group. Experimental group played for 60 days. The control group did not played any sport team. Results showed significant differences in pretest- posttest in the experimental group on the Beck Depression Inventory (p < 05, t = 9.74). The control group showed no significant difference in pretest- posttest (p < 05, t=.88). Team exercise decreased depression in the experimental group. According to the result, group exercise (team sports) in hospitalized depressed patients is recommended.