Depression and High Intensity Interval Training Exercise

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased depression among the population. Exercise is a useful coping mechanism for depression and high intensity interval training (HIIT) can be utilized. Background: A community exercise facility provides HIIT exercises for gym members. The gym owner believed their HIIT program is a great tool for coping with depression. Methods: The gym offered a 21-day free HIIT program. Those who signed up for the program, 18 years of age or older, and were able to exercise under the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire were offered to participate in the study. Participants were given a pre-survey before they started exercises. This survey utilized the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a standard depression rating tool that determines depression symptom prevalence. After the 21-day program, participants were given a post-survey involving the same PHQ-9. The survey scores were compared pre- to post-program. The surveys were coded to exclude any identifying information. Results: Mean PHQ-9 pre-test was 7.67, mean score post-test was 3. A paired t-Test resulted in a p=0.60, showed that it was not statistically significant. Discussion: The goal of this study was to determine if HIIT training was an effective coping mechanism for depression. The data shows that participants had decreased PHQ-9 scores from the pre- and post-program surveys showing a clinical significance. This data can be used to provide those suffering from depression a coping mechanism.