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Functional Capacity in Older Adults with Depressive Disorders
Wojciech Datka1, Wojciech Mateusz Rachel2, Szymon Krupnik3
1Zakład Zaburzeń Afektywnych Katedry Psychiatrii Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego Collegium Medicum.
Psychiatria Polska
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Major depressive disorder (MDD) significantly impairs functional capacity in older adults, with worse outcomes linked to greater symptom severity. Physical activity interventions are crucial for treating depression in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric medicine
- Psychiatry
- Physical therapy
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is prevalent in older adults.
- Functional capacity decline is a concern in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess functional capacity (locomotion, motor skills) in older adults with MDD.
- To analyze the impact of physical activity on mood and cognition in this group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 71 older adults with mild/moderate depression (GDS <24).
- Physical capacity assessed via Timed Up and Go (TUG), Single Leg Stance (SLS), and 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30sCST).
- Spearman's correlation analyzed the link between depressive symptoms and physical capacity.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in physical capacity were observed in the MDD group.
- Greater depressive symptom severity correlated with poorer functional capacity (SLS OP, 30sCST).
- Higher BMI and female sex were associated with reduced physical capacity.
Conclusions:
- Depression significantly contributes to functional capacity deterioration in older adults.
- Physical interventions should be integrated into MDD treatment plans for the elderly.
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