Association between non-locomotive light-intensity physical activity and depressive symptoms in Japanese older women: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

AimThis study aimed to examine associations between accelerometer-based intensity and type of physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms in older Japanese women. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data were obtained from 143 community-dwelling older Japanese women aged 65–86 years, and depressive symptoms were assessed based on self-reported scores of the Geriatric Depression Scale-15-J. PA was measured objectively using an accelerometer worn continuously for ≥10 h/day for 4 days, and average daily durations of light-intensity PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA), as well as type of PA (locomotive vs. non-locomotive), were examined. ResultsDepressive symptoms were present in 23 participants (19.1%). One-way analysis of covariance revealed participants without depressive symptoms had a significantly higher non-locomotive LPA compared to those with depressive symptoms (357 ± 82 vs 298 ± 66 min/day, F = 9.69, p < 0.01). However, no significant differences in the duration of locomotive LPA (48 ± 20 vs 43 ± 16 min/day; F = 0.80, p = 0.373), locomotive MVPA (23 ± 16 vs 26 ± 18 min/day; F = 0.34, p = 0.559), and non-locomotive MVPA (37 ± 25 vs 23 ± 16 min/day; F = 3.07, p = 0.082) between participants with and without depressive symptoms. ConclusionsOur results suggest that individuals with lower LPA have a higher risk of depressive symptoms compared to those undertaking higher durations of LPA. In particular, non-locomotive LPA may be one of the important factors contributing to the prevention of depressive symptoms in Japanese older women.