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Published on: February 22, 2018
Regular physical exercise and its association with depression: A population-based study short title: Exercise and
1Department of Health Administration, College of Health Science, Dankook University, 119, Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungnam, 330-714 Cheonan, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health Promotion and Policy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.
Regular physical exercise is linked to a lower risk of depression in adults over 45. Engaging in consistent exercise, even for shorter durations, can help reduce depressive symptoms and improve mental well-being.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Depressive disorders represent a significant global health burden, particularly in aging populations.
- Understanding modifiable lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, is crucial for preventing depression in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between regular physical exercise and the risk of depressive disorder and symptoms.
- To analyze the impact of exercise frequency and duration on depression scores in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) spanning 2008-2018.
- Included 3,070 participants at baseline (2008).
- Employed generalized estimating equation (GEE) models and chi-square tests to analyze the relationship between exercise and depression (CES-D scores).
Main Results:
- Individuals exercising less than 3 hours per week showed higher CES-D scores (0.033 higher) compared to those exercising 5+ hours weekly.
- Shorter exercise durations (<1 year and 1-2 years) were associated with significantly higher CES-D scores compared to 5+ years of exercise.
- A statistically significant negative relationship was observed between regular exercise and depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Regular physical exercise demonstrates a protective effect against depressive symptoms in community-dwelling adults aged 45 and above.
- Promoting consistent exercise habits and self-esteem through practical interventions is vital for depression prevention strategies.
- Findings underscore the importance of exercise as a key component in managing and preventing depression in older populations.
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