Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Does physical activity mediate the reduction of depressive symptoms in older adults treated with behavioural
Noortje P Janssen1, Gert-Jan Hendriks2, Marijn Pietersma3
1Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Pro Persona Research, Nijmeegsebaan 61, 2525 DX, Pro Persona, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Research institute of Health Sciences, Geert Groote plein zuid 21, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Background:
Behavioural activation reduces depressive symptoms in older adults but its working mechanisms remain unknown. Physical activity may play a role by decreasing depressive symptoms in older adults. We investigated whether an increase in physical activity explains the effects of behavioural activation on depressive symptoms in older adults.
Methods:
Participants were 44 adults aged 65-88 years, who participated in a cluster randomised trial evaluating the effectiveness of an eight-week behavioural activation treatment (n = 25) compared with eight weeks of treatment as usual (TAU; n = 19) in primary care. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate whether the effects of behavioural activation on depression were mediated by physical activity as assessed by trunk accelerometer.
Results:
Physical activity did not mediate the effect of behavioural activation on depression because physical activity was not related to type of treatment (p = 0.336). An increase in physical activity was associated (R2adj = 0.075) with a decrease in depressive symptoms, regardless of type of treatment (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
In this sample, physical activity did not explain the difference in effectiveness between behavioural activation and treatment as usual. In line with the literature, our results showed an association of a small increase in physical activity with a decrease in depressive symptoms, regardless of treatment modality. Larger studies are needed to replicate these findings.
Trial Registration:
Netherlands Trial Register, NL5436.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents