Abstract
IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of physical–social distancing measures–including self-isolation, home confinement, and quarantine around the world, with psychological consequences such as depression. Older adults are especially likely to develop depressive symptomatology. This study aims to investigate the association between physical activity intensities and sedentary behavior with depression levels among previously active older adults during the COVID-19 lockdown.MethodsA total of 1,123 physically active older Brazilian adults (67.68 ± 5.91 years, 91.00% female) were interviewed by telephone in regard to sociodemographic, general health status, depression (GDS-15), and physical activity (IPAQ-SV) after being home-confined for 11.59 ± 2.42 weeks. Participants were also asked to self-report changes in their physical activity levels and time spent sitting. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies), between-groups comparisons (t-tests and chi-square), and hierarchical regression analysis were used.ResultsAbout 83.80% of older adults self-reported a decrease in daily physical activity levels and 73.90% increased sitting time. Overall, depressive symptoms were observed in 30.40, and 20.80% met physical activity recommendations. Daily moderate (β = −0.174; 95% CI = −0.026; -0.012) and moderate-to-vigorous (β = −0.183; 95% CI = −0.023; 0.011) physical activity intensities were negatively associated with depression score explaining 2.6 and 2.9% of depression variability, respectively, after adjusting for age, gender, education level, body mass index, and polypharmacy. Daily walking and sitting time were not associated with the depression score (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results provide empiric suggestion supporting moderate to vigorous physical activity as a way to reduce depressive levels among older adults during COVID-19 confinement. Supervised home-based exercise programs, specifically designed for older adults, might be an important strategy to maintain and improve older adults’ mental health.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of physical–social distancing measures–including self-isolation, home confinement, and quarantine around the world, with psychological consequences such as depression
Moderate and vigorous physical activity per day was summed to get moderate to vigorous physical activity
Participants were classified against physical activity guidelines (“
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of physical–social distancing measures–including self-isolation, home confinement, and quarantine around the world, with psychological consequences such as depression. To contain the spread of the virus and to protect the most fragile groups, several countries have implemented strict measures of physical– social distancing, such as self-isolation, home confinement, and quarantine (Armitage and Nellums, 2020). These measures are efficient to mitigate virus activity, with epidemiological data demonstrating an abrupt reduction in the number of new COVID-19 cases and mortality (Shahid et al, 2020). Considering that the prevalence of depression among older adults in Western countries is around 20% (Volkert et al, 2013), an important worsening of this health outcome as a result of this sanitary crisis can be expected (Armitage and Nellums, 2020)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
