Abstract
Purpose: Mental health disorders affect about one in eight people globally and are often linked to limited care, isolation, and stigma (WHO, 2011). Depression is a major cause of disability with significant personal and social impacts. Physical activity (PA) is recognized as an effective, non-medical approach to reduce depressive symptoms and improve well-being. However, individuals with depression often face barriers to PA, reinforcing inactivity and health inequalities (Firth et al., 2016). This review examines evidence on the key barriers and facilitators to PA in clinically diagnosed individuals with depression.
Methods: A systematic search of six electronic databases (PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed studies exploring PA-related factors in individuals diagnosed with depression, as defined by DSM criteria (APA, 2013). Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included, yielding 14 studies with a total sample size of 25,375 participants. Data were categorized using Bauman’s socio-ecological framework (Bauman et al., 2012) to identify determinants at individual, interpersonal, environmental, and policy/cultural levels.
Results: The review found that participation in PA among individuals with depression is influenced by multiple interrelated factors. Key barriers include depressive symptoms, low motivation, and fatigue, while social support acts as a major facilitator. Environmental aspects like access and cost, along with cultural and educational factors, also play a significant role.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for multi-level, customized interventions that address the diverse and complex challenges people with depression face in becoming physically active. The review offers practical recommendations for developing inclusive, context-aware approaches that support mental health through PA.