Physical activity as a protective factor against depressive symptoms in older Chinese veterans in the community: result from a national cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity is generally considered to be effective in reducing the prevalence of depression and promoting remission of its symptoms. However, large-scale epidemiological research on this issue is lacking in older Chinese adults. We performed a nationwide epidemiological survey to determine the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in older Chinese veterans in the community, with adjustment for potential confounders.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of 9,676 community-dwelling older Chinese veterans. Depressive symptoms were identified using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Physical activity was self-reported using a one-year physical activity questionnaire. Information about covariates was obtained by questionnaire-based interview. Relationships between study variables and symptoms of depression were estimated using unadjusted and adjusted analyses.ResultsThe median age was 82.29 (interquartile range 80.25–84.60) years. In total, 81.84% of the study participants engaged in physical activity that was predominantly light in intensity. In unadjusted analyses, physical activity was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of depressive symptoms (5.43% versus 18.83%, P<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression with adjustment and controlling for confounders, physical activity was still inversely associated with depressive symptoms and was the only independent protective factor (odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.44–0.72, P<0.0001) among the associated factors in this study. In a univariate general linear model, there was a significant difference in Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score between subjects participating in active physical activity and those who did not (F=59.07, P<0.0001).ConclusionThis study found an inverse relationship between physical activity and symptoms of depression in older Chinese veterans in the community. It was also indicated that the antidepressant effect of physical activity probably extended to the oldest-old, and the light-intensity physical activity was probably available for the same protective effect. This information could be used to devise further interventions to prevent or ameliorate symptoms of depression.

Antidepressive and BDNF effects of enriched environment treatment across ages in mice lacking BDNF expression through promoter IV

“…Our results of no EET effects in old adult mice were somewhat unexpected because previous human studies have shown that aerobic training increases blood BDNF levels 86 and that exercise, an important component of EET for BDNF induction, 28 , 29 correlates with 87 and produces 88 antidepressive effects in elderly depression patients. However, conflicting results have also been published: while increased exercise can decrease depression, already depressed individuals may not benefit from exercise.…”

The level of physical activity affects the health of older adults despite being active

“…In recent years, several multitude clinical trials ( Du et al, 2015 ; Jeoung, 2014 ; Lincoln et al, 2011 ; Pereira et al, 2013 ; Yoshida et al, 2015 ) and a systematic review ( Cho, 2014 ) where depression index is being approach have been carried out with very good results associated with special PA programs for the elderly community. This is an important issue to both establish better treatments and a reduction of costs in the public health system ( Luber et al, 2001 ).…”

Physical activity and health in the presence of China's economic growth: Meeting the public health challenges of the aging population

“…For example, in a cross-sectional survey study of 1015 older adults (60 years and older) living in the northern city of Jinzhou in Liaoning province, physical inactivity, which was found among 65% of the sample, was identified as one of the major factors associated with poor health-related quality of life 45 . In another large-scale study involving older Chinese veterans ( n = 9676; median age = 82 years old) living in 18 Chinese cities, PA, even when performed at low intensity, was found to be inversely related to symptoms of depression 46 . PA has also been shown to be a protective factor for reducing health risks.…”