Paper Sample on 4 Studies Show How Exercise Can Help Alleviate Depression

Introduction

There are noticeable similarities and differences among the four studies. The first similarity among the four studies is that they are all qualitative, as no statistical methods were used to analyze the data collected. The other similarity is that the four studies almost had the same conclusions that physical exercise help to alleviate depression in people, and since it has been proved to reduce anxiety disorders in different ages of people, then it can be used to alleviate depression in young adults (Chum et al., 2017).

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Several differences were also noted among the four studies reviewed. The first difference is that study settings differed as the researches were carried in different places. The four studies' participants also differed in terms of age and the sample size that was studied. Another difference is that collecting and analyzing data was also different, which led to different findings during the analysis.

The Overall Strengths of the Evidence (4 studies together)

Three main strengths were noted in the four studies reviewed. The first strength is that the data used in the four studies were consistent, reliable and precise, and thus the results obtained and conclusions made were reliable. The quantity of the data used was also small, and this made it easier to analyze and find out the relationship between physical activity and depression or any other anxiety-related disorder (Pelletier et al., 2017). It was easier to generalize the findings as the selection processes of the studies were well designed, and the sample used to do the analysis represented the study population. Therefore, the findings and conclusions made were representative of the whole population in Canada. The methods used in the four studies were also able to provide detailed information about the subject, and this helped to explain some complex issues related to how the physical activities help to alleviate stress. Finally, the secondary data was available on the topic of discussion, and therefore, accessing the data was never a problem for the researchers.

Overall Limitation of the Evidence (4 studies together)

Several overall limitations can be identified from the four studies reviewed. The first limitation was that the four studies were exclusive when it came to the selection of the sample population. People were not picked randomly, but rather a certain group of people was recruited to participate in the research. This made the results and conclusions made in the four studies to be biased. To avoid biasness, participants needed to be selected randomly, but this was not done. Another limitation that has been identified in the four studies is that it was difficult to generalize the findings of the four studies because they used different sample populations, which was exclusive of some people (Javnbakht et al., 2019). The data used in the four studies was also difficult to analyze, as it did not fit the standard categories. Therefore, although complex issues on the relationship between physical activities and anxiety-related disorders were dealt with in the four studies, it was difficult to analyze the data, as there was no specific procedure followed in the analysis.

Gaps in the Research Evidence

Although the four studies have provided important information with the relationship between exercises and depression, they only relied on a small population, and thus, they did not represent the whole population of Canada, which comprises of people with different ethnic backgrounds. Another gap identified from the evidence reviewed was that there was no study done in Canada to examine the impact of physical exercises on the level of depression on young adults. Therefore, our study will contribute to the field of study by investigating the relationship between exercises and depression in young adults. Finally, there is also a gap in how physical exercises reduce depression in people. What happens in the body for a person to become less depressed has not been examined.

Ethical Considerations

In any study, the researchers have to consider the ethical side point of view when especially during the collection of data (Clark-Kazak, 2017). Among the four studies reviewed, the researchers would seek board approval, maintain participants' anonymity, and ensure the participants' informed consent of the four studies reviewed. For instance, Agha et al. (2015) received ethical approval from the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

Conclusion

The four studies have answered the PICOT question. The question sought to provide alternative treatment of depression in young persons through exercises. The four studies have shown that physical activities reduce anxiety-related disorders like depression, and thus, it can be used to treat depression in youth adults. Depression has been a serious health concern in the nursing practice, and therefore the four studies have a positive implication on the nursing practice. The scope of the studies done on exercises as an alternative treatment for depression. Therefore, future studies can focus on a large area such as several provinces and even the whole country.

References

Chum, J., Kim, M. S., Zielinski, L., Bhatt, M., Chung, D., Yeung, S. & O’Neill, L. (2017). Acceptability of the Fitbit in behavioural activation therapy for depression: a qualitative study. Evidence-based mental health, 20(4), 128-133.

Clark-Kazak, C. (2017). Ethical considerations: Research with people in situations of forced migration. Refuge: Canada's Journal on Refugees/Refuge: revue Canadienne sur les réfugiés, 33(2), 11-17.

Javnbakht, M., Kenari, R. H., & Ghasemi, M. (2019). Effects of yoga on depression and anxiety of women. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 15(2), 102-104.

Pelletier, L., Shamila, S., Patten, Scott, B., & Demers, A. (2017). Self-management of mood and/or anxiety disorders through physical activity/exercise. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada: Research, Policy and Practice, 37(5), 27.