Abstract
Depression is considered the most common mental health disorder in older adults. Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce depressive symptoms in this population with immediate clinical effects. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between symptoms of depression and General Functional Fitness Index (GFFI) in elderly physical exercise practitioners. The Geriatric Depression Scale of Yesavage (GDS-15) was used to evaluate the presence of depressive symptoms, and the AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) fitness test battery for assessment of GFFI. We used descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation with 95% confidence intervals. The population consisted of 146 elderly participants of the Floripa Ativa Program - Phase B, with the sample consisting of 77 older adults with a mean age of 67.9 (SD 5.7) years. Among them, 13 exhibited symptoms of depression and 33 were fit, with the GFFI within normal range. We found a negative (r = -0.307) and significant (p = 0.007) correlation between GDS and GFFI. This inversely proportional relationship demonstrates that subjects with a better GFFI had a lower incidence of depressive symptoms. As the GFFI value is obtained through physical tests, it can be suggested that physical exercise supported the reduction of depressive symptoms in the study group.
Highlights
Brazil has witnessed a gradual increase in longevity, mainly due to lower fertility and mortality rates
The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the general functional fitness index (GFFI) and the presence of depressive symptoms in older adults engaged in physical activity
Depression is a psychiatric illness commonly found among the older adults, recognition and diagnosis is often difficult due to its multifactorial character and because the disease is generally regarded as an aging-related disorder[13]
Summary
Brazil has witnessed a gradual increase in longevity, mainly due to lower fertility and mortality rates. According to the latest census report of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), in 2010 in Brazil, 7.4% of the population was 65 years of older[1]. Such a trend has raised new concerns about the process known as population aging, whose consequences may translate into an increase in disability, greater disease burden in the population, and increased burden on public health care[2]. Depression has serious consequences, including suffering of patients and caregivers, physical disability associated with physical illness and cognitive disorders, increased health care costs, and increased mortality related to suicide and physical illness[5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
