20-minute brisk walks can dramatically reduce depression risk, research finds. Findings remained consistent even after accounting for factors such as sex, education, age, smoking and alcohol use.
20-minute brisk walks can dramatically reduce depression risk, research finds. Findings remained consistent even after accounting for factors such as sex, education, age, smoking and alcohol use.
Physical Activity Dose and Depression in a Cohort of Older Adults
This cohort study examines depressive symptoms and major depression in older adults with and without chronic disease performing varying levels of physical activity over a 10-year period.
Key Points Question What is the minimal dose of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) associated with a reduced risk of depression and depressive symptoms in older adults (aged ≥50 years) with and without chronic disease?
FindingsIn this cohort study among 4016 older adults, at each of the included time points across a 10-year period, a negative dose-response association was observed between MVPA dose and depressive symptoms and major depression.
MeaningThe findings of this study suggest that a lower dose of MVPA than recommended from guidelines for overall health may be associated with a lower risk of depression among older adults.