Objectively measured light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with lower depression levels among older US adults

Abstract

Objectives: We have a limited understanding of the epidemiological association between objectively measured physical activity and depression among older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the association between accelerometer-assessed physical activity and depression symptoms among a nationally representative sample of US older adults.

Methods: Data from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used. 708 older adults (65+ years) wore an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer for at least 4 days, and completed data on the study covariates along with depression, as assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

Results: After controlling for age, gender, race-ethnicity, body mass index, marital status, education, comorbidity index, and physical functioning, for every 60-minute increase in light-intensity physical activity, participants were 20% (OR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67–0.95; p = 0.01) less likely to be depressed. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was also inversely associated with depression (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64–0.94; p = 0.01).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that promoting physical activity, even light-intensity physical activity, may have positive mental health effects among older adults. Future prospective and experimental studies are warranted.

Keywords:

• elderly
• epidemiology
• accelerometry
• NHANES

Notes

*Systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 or taking hypertensive-lowering medication.

LPA = Light-intensity physical activity.

MVPA = Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

*This model examined the independent association between light-intensity physical activity and depression. Light-intensity physical activity is expressed as 1-hour change.

**This model examined the independent association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and depression. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was log-transformed to improve normality and expressed as 1-min change.

Bold type face indicates statistical significance (p < 0.05).