Does physical activity moderate the association between depressive symptoms and disability in older adults?

Abstract

SUMMARYObjective Depressive symptoms and disability are closely associated and known to have reciprocal relationships. This study examines whether physical activity moderates the association between depressive symptoms and disability in community-dwelling older adults. Methods Baseline and 1-year follow-up data of 645 persons aged 65 years or older from the Suwon Longitudinal Aging Study were analyzed. A 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, Physical Functioning scale, and physical performance tests were used to assess the individual's depressive symptoms and functional disability. Physical activity was defined as the recommended level of exercise based on its frequency and intensity. Multiple regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was conducted to examine the physical activity's role as an effect modifier in the association between depressive symptoms and disability. Results Physical activity was a significant effect modifier in the 'depressive symptoms-disability' association, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and health-related covariates. Moderate-intensity activity was as effective as vigorous activity in moderating the relationship. The moderating effect was notable among those displaying severe depressive symptoms and functional disability. Over time the strength of the association between depressive symptoms and disability tended to diminish for those engaging in physical activity. Conclusion The association between depressive symptoms and disability is moderated by physical activity in older persons. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals need to promote moderate amount of physical activity as a potential intervention tool in attenuating the depression-disability connection in later life, especially among those with high levels of physical and mental impairments.

Psychosocial Stress and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

“…However, in a secondary analysis of the ENRICHD cohort, self-reported exercise in the 6 months following MI was associated with more than a 50% reduction in the risk of subsequent death (20). Physical inactivity not only carries cardiovascular health risks but is also important in predicting the onset of physical decline in older adults (21) and partly explains the link between depression and disability (22). Thus, physical decline, together with perceived barriers towards physical activity, such as fear and negative experiences, low self-efficacy, and lack of knowledge, may partly explain the increased risk of physical inactivity among participants with depressive symptoms.…”

Effects of aquatic exercise on depression and anxiety in ischemic stroke subjects

“…Yet, research has shown that symptoms of depression and disability are closely related, when studying moderate physical activities and the association between signs of depression and disability, with 645 subjects aged 65 years or more [47]. Physical activity had a modifier effect in symptoms of depression and proved to be a factor of change on disability matters.…”

“…Physical activity had a modifier effect in symptoms of depression and proved to be a factor of change on disability matters. Even moderate and intense physical activity lead to a significant decrease in symptoms of depression, assuming that physical activities are an effective means to reduce the signs of depression [47]. Therefore, regular exercise tends to improve the quality of life, the ability to work and leisure, and reduces the incidence of new strokes and the consequent decrease in physical ability [48].…”

Understanding the Correlation between Physical Activity and Clinical Depression in Women: A Review of the Literature

“…Sample sizes in the twenty-five studies reviewed ranged from 30 to 61,011 participates. Ten of the studies had sample sizes that were greater than 1001 participants, three studies had 1000 to 501 people [8][9][10], five had 500 to 101 people [11][12][13][14][15] and seven studies included 100 or fewer participants [5,[16][17][18][19][20]. Forty percent of the studies had sample sizes that were 1001 or greater and fifty-two percent had 500 participants or less.…”