Yearlong physical activity and depressive symptoms in older Japanese adults: cross-sectional data from the Nakanojo study

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2006 Jul;14(7):621-4. doi: 10.1097/01.JGP.0000200602.70504.9c.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate associations between accelerometer measurements of physical activity and psychosocial variables in older people.

Methods: Subjects were 184 Japanese aged 65-85 years. An accelerometer provided step count and physical activity intensity data throughout each 24-hour period for 1 year. At the end of the year, anxiety, depression, and cognitive function were assessed.

Results: Controlling for age, the daily number of steps, and the daily duration of moderate-intensity physical activity showed significant negative correlations with depressive mood.

Conclusion: A depressive mood is associated with the quantity and quality of habitual physical activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / physiology
  • Anxiety / diagnosis
  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • Asian People*
  • Catchment Area, Health
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / diagnosis*
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Motor Activity*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors