EUPAG-DS - European Physical Activity Guidelines to Tackle Depressive Symptoms

Depression is a multifactorial disorder and a major public health issue that affects adults all over Europe. Physical activity and exercise is a feasible alternative to deal with depressive symptoms, besides others treatments (e.g. drug therapy and social cognitive therapy). The European Physical Activity Guidelines from 2008 was developed for the general population. Adults with depressive symptoms are a vulnerable target group, that presents low physical activity and exercise levels. But, until this time, there is no specific guideline for this target group. This project aims to fill this gap, and develop physical activity and exercise guidelines for European adults with depressive symptoms, and consequently increase the level of physical activity and exercise in this target group. For this purpose, several work packages are completed within this project to develop the guidelines and to disseminate it all over Europe. Furthermore, efficient publicity material with the guidelines will be produced in different languages. This project is expected to increases the level of physical activity and exercise among adults with depressive symptoms and improves their health outcomes. Also, diminish the cost of depression among public health.