Abstract
This study aimed to verify, through a randomized controlled trial, whether a medium-intensity mixing/aerobic/anaerobic exercise (accessible to older adults even with mild chronic diseases) can effectively counteract depressive episodes. A characteristic of the trial was that the follow-up coincided (unscheduled) with the lockdown due to Covid-19. Participants (N=120) were randomized into an intervention group, performing physical exercise, and a control group. Participants, aged 65 years and older, belonged to both genders, living at home, and cleared a medical examination, were evaluated with a screening tool to detect depressive episodes, the PHQ9, at pre-treatment, end of the trial (12-week), and follow-up (48-week). A decrease in the frequency of depressive episodes after the trial (T1) was found in both groups; however, a statistically significant difference was observed only in the control group (p=0.0039). From T1 to follow-up (conducted during the lockdown), the frequency of depressive episodes increased in the control group, reaching a frequency equal to the time of study entry (p=0.788). In the experimental group, the frequency of depressive episodes did not change at the end of the trial but reached a statistically significant difference compared to the start of the study (p = 0.004) and was higher than the control group (p=0.028). Moderate-intensity physical exercise can be conducted safely, benefitting older adults even suffering from mild chronic disorders. Physical exercise seems to guarantee a long-term preventive effect towards depressive symptoms, especially in serious stressful situations such as the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Highlights
30% of the European population will be over 65 years of age by 2050
[0.4-3.3]), and a higher frequency compared to the end of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) (25.7% at follow-up vs 2.6% at the end of the RCT, χ2 = 7467, p = 0.017, OR = 0.1, 95% CI [0.1-0.7])
In the Physical exercise (PE) group, the frequency of depressive episodes did not change at the end of the trial and reached a statistically significant difference compared to the start of the study (18.1% at T0 vs. 4.5% at follow-up, χ2 = 4.062, p = 0.004, OR = 4.6, 95% CI [1.0-23.9])
Summary
The frequency of chronic diseases increases in late life, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) increase proportionally, impacting social and health costs [1]. An active life can counteract the loss of autonomy and disability in older people; the European Union has declared research on active aging as a priority [2, 3]. Physical exercise (PE) lowers the risk of disability and decline in motor function, preventing falls, a well-known determinant of early death and disability in older adults [4]. Studies have shown that PE regulates immune responses in old age, improves metabolic disorders, including diabetes [5], and impacts quality of life [6] as well as cognitive and memory decline [7]. This study aimed to verify, through a randomized controlled trial, whether a medium-intensity mixing/aerobic/anaerobic exercise (accessible to older adults even with mild chronic diseases) can effectively counteract depressive episodes. A characteristic of the trial was that the follow-up coincided (unscheduled) with the lockdown due to Covid-19
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 callMore From: Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health
Disclaimer: 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.
