Association between lower limb strength, anxiety, and depression symptoms in older adults

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between lower limb strength and symptoms of anxiety and depression in communitydwelling older adults.

This cross-sectional study included 99 community-dwelling older adults (69.5±6.6 years; 81.8% women) assessed between 2021 and 2023 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Inclusion criteria were age ≥60 years, independent mobility, and medical clearance. Participants were excluded if they had uncontrolled chronic or cardiovascular diseases, a history of stroke, unmanaged neurodegenerative disorders, active psychiatric comorbidities that could interfere with psychological assessments, or musculoskeletal injuries preventing safe participation in testing. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory and Geriatric Depression Scale. Lower limb strength was measured using the 30-Second Chair Stand test and classified according to age- and sex-specific normative values.

Participants with below-average lower limb strength had higher odds of anxiety symptoms (OR 10.90; 95%CI 1.97-60.33; p=0.006). Lower limb strength was also associated with depressive symptoms, although with a smaller effect size (OR 3.96; 95%CI 1.06-14.74; p=0.040). Age was positively associated with anxiety (p=0.019), while no significant associations were observed for sex.

The 30-Second Chair Stand test may have potential as a complementary screening indicator to identify older adults at elevated psychosocial risk.