Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Research has shown physical activity (PA) to result in a reduction in depressed mood. The effects have been examined for different age groups, however, it is unclear whether PA effects differ in older adults. A prospective cohort study (N = 6,463) examined duration and intensity of PA in relation to mood in the Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study (BRHS). Depressed mood indices were expected to be predicted by lower levels of PA and individuals in younger age groups were expected to receive a greater reduction in depressed mood after PA than those in older age groups. Previous PA (minutes of vigorous PA per week) of all participants had a small protective effect against depressed mood 1-3 years later. A one hour daily increase in vigorous PA may result in a meaningful impact on depressive symptoms. PA was protective of depressed mood in participants falling within the oldest quartile but not the three younger quartiles. Age was also a significant predictor of later depressed mood in older adults but not in younger adults indicating PA may be more important in an older population who could be more at risk for depressed mood.
Author: Benjamin J. Silber
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Loma Linda University
OpenAlex ID: W2521984366