The Relationship Between Mobility, Physical Activity and Strength with Depression, Cognitive State and Health Status in the Elderly in Portugal

Abstract

This study attempts to understand the relationship between physical activity, strength and mobility with depression, cognitive state and health status among the elderly in Portugal and identify which measures best relate with these. Using a descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study, a sample of 118individuals was selected by exclusion and inclusion criteria. The measuring instruments used were the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Hand Grip Strength (HGS). The sample had a normal distribution. Pearson’s test and ANOVA were used for the statistical analysis and revealed meaningful positive correlations between GDS and SF-12, IPAQ, TUG and HGS and also in MMSE with SF-12 [physical and mental dimensions], right HGS, left HGS and IPAQ. A meaningful negative correlation was also found in MMSE with TUG. SF-12 presented a significant negative correlation with TUG. Left HGS revealed a significant positive correlation to SF-12 in both physical and mental dimensions. However, right HGS was only significant to the physical dimension. IPAQ had no significant correlation with SF-12. All the measures had a meaningful correlation with depression (GDS) and cognitive state (MMSE). Applying simple instruments of easy application such as TUG have shown good values of correlation with depression, cognitive state and health.