Associations Between Depressive Symptoms and Physical Activity Intensity in an Older Adult Population During COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of physical–social distancing measures–including self-isolation, home confinement, and quarantine around the world, with psychological consequences such as depression. Older adults are especially likely to develop depressive symptomatology. This study aims to investigate the association between physical activity intensities and sedentary behavior with depression levels among previously active older adults during the COVID-19 lockdown.MethodsA total of 1,123 physically active older Brazilian adults (67.68 ± 5.91 years, 91.00% female) were interviewed by telephone in regard to sociodemographic, general health status, depression (GDS-15), and physical activity (IPAQ-SV) after being home-confined for 11.59 ± 2.42 weeks. Participants were also asked to self-report changes in their physical activity levels and time spent sitting. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies), between-groups comparisons (t-tests and chi-square), and hierarchical regression analysis were used.ResultsAbout 83.80% of older adults self-reported a decrease in daily physical activity levels and 73.90% increased sitting time. Overall, depressive symptoms were observed in 30.40, and 20.80% met physical activity recommendations. Daily moderate (β = −0.174; 95% CI = −0.026; -0.012) and moderate-to-vigorous (β = −0.183; 95% CI = −0.023; 0.011) physical activity intensities were negatively associated with depression score explaining 2.6 and 2.9% of depression variability, respectively, after adjusting for age, gender, education level, body mass index, and polypharmacy. Daily walking and sitting time were not associated with the depression score (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results provide empiric suggestion supporting moderate to vigorous physical activity as a way to reduce depressive levels among older adults during COVID-19 confinement. Supervised home-based exercise programs, specifically designed for older adults, might be an important strategy to maintain and improve older adults’ mental health.

The association between physical activity and mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

“…Two study collected measures after the stay-at-home order and during this period physical activity mean score decreased minimally [ 51 ], and depressive symptoms increase as the weeks of isolation go [ 28 ]. Other studies also reported a reduction in self-reported PA [ 26 , 33 , 34 , 37 , 38 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 56 , 57 ] and increase in sedentary behaviour [ 25 , 26 , 34 ]. Individuals who reported larger decrease in MVPA pre to during COVID-19 reported relatively poorer mental health [ 33 ].…”

“…Participants sufficiently active during covid-19 reported significantly lowe depression and anxiety, and higher life satisfaction. Lage et al 2021 [ 34 ] Cross-sectional, 1123 older adults (mena age 67.68 ± 5.91, 91% female), interviewed by telephone call, Brazil. Depression (GDS-15).…”

“…Regarding sex, with exception of four studies [ 24 , 31 , 40 , 48 ] the majority included more women than men. Concerning age, most articles presented the mean age range between 20 and 30 years [ 24 , 25 , 36 , 37 , 44 , 48 – 50 , 56 , 57 ], two article presented mean age between 30 and 40 years [ 33 , 43 ]; five articles presented mean age between 40 and 50 years [ 28 , 32 , 35 , 41 , 42 ]; and seven articles presented mean age above 50 years [ 26 , 27 , 34 , 45 – 47 , 51 ]. Four articles did not present mean age [ 31 , 38 – 40 ], for one article the age ranged between 21 and 35 years [ 31 ], for another, the age ranged between 21 and 40 years [ 38 ], for another, the age ranged between 17 and 69 years [ 40 ], and in one the age ranged between 27 and 53 years [ 39 ].…”

“…The majority of studies reported, the sample filled out online questionnaires. One study used interviewed by telephone call [ 34 ]. Twenty four studies conducted a cross-sectional analysis and four a longitudinal analysis.…”

Distance Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. A Comparison between European Countries

“…Indeed, the current scenario is impacting all aspect of our lives, from socio-economic [8,9], health [10], environmental [11], and educational [12] perspectives. In particular, many studies have reported that the pandemic resulted in increased psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress, depressive, and anxiety disorders, as well as grief-related symptoms in adolescents [13][14][15][16] and adults [17,18].…”