Evaluating the Effectiveness of Prescribed Strength Training

This study examines the effectiveness of prescribed strength training as an adjunct to antidepressant treatment in males presenting with depression in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka. Participants were males aged 18-46 years who attended mental health services as outpatients. Exclusions included those with significant medical conditions and comorbid mental illnesses. Participants were divided into two groups: those who engaged in strength training for a minimum of 30 minutes at least three times per week for one month and those who did not. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), validated for Sinhala, was used to measure depression levels before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses, including paired and independent t-tests, revealed significant reductions in BDI scores across both groups, with more pronounced improvements in those who engaged in strength training. The effect size, calculated using Cohen’s d, demonstrated a medium-to-large effect, indicating the clinical significance of strength training as an adjunct to antidepressants. These findings suggest that strength training may serve as an effective adjunct to antidepressant treatment in reducing depression symptoms. Keywords: Depression, Strength training, Antidepressants, Beck Depression Inventory, Sinhala, Sri Lanka