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Differential impacts of job-related vs leisure-related physical activity on depressive and cognitive function among
Qian-Ru Zhao1, Li Xie2, Bing Li1
1The Second Department of General Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China.
Background:
While several studies have explored the relationship among physical activity (PA), depressive symptoms, and cognitive health, the distinct effects of PA performed for occupational vs recreational purposes remain underexplored.
Aim:
To investigate the differential impacts of job-related vs leisure-related physical activities on depressive symptoms and cognitive function among adults aged 45 years and older in China.
Methods:
Data were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, encompassing 16476 participants. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination. PA was categorized by purpose (job-related vs leisure-related) and intensity (vigorous, moderate, and low), with frequency and duration measured in metabolic equivalent hours per day. An external validation using an independent clinical sample (n = 200) was conducted.
Results:
Vigorous-intensity PA for job demands (JVPA) was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms [P = 0.011, odds ratio (OR) = 1.003], indicating that high-intensity job-related activities may exacerbate mental health issues. Moderate-intensity PA for entertainment or exercise (EMPA) was inversely associated with depressive symptoms (P = 0.030, OR = 0.999), suggesting that moderate-intensity leisure activities can reduce depressive symptoms. For cognitive function, the total PA for job demands was correlated with cognitive decline (P = 0.004, OR = 1.008), with the frequency of JVPA showing a positive association. However, EMPA was linked to reduced cognitive decline (P = 0.018, OR = 0.998). Clinical validation results were consistent with those obtained from the database, further supporting the reliability of the findings.
Conclusion:
JVPA exacerbates depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment, whereas EMPA mitigates depression and supports cognitive health. Targeted interventions promoting leisure-related PA may enhance mental and cognitive well-being in older adults.
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