The Impact of Physical Activity on Depressed Mood in Older Seventh-day Adventists

<p>Research has shown physical activity (PA) to result in a reduction in depressed mood. The effects have been examined for different age groups, however, it is unclear whether PA effects differ in older adults. A prospective cohort study (N = 6,463) examined duration and intensity of PA in relation to mood in the Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study (BRHS). Depressed mood indices were expected to be predicted by lower levels of PA and individuals in younger age groups were expected to receive a greater reduction in depressed mood after PA than those in older age groups. Previous PA (minutes of vigorous PA per week) of all participants had a small protective effect against depressed mood 1-3 years later. A one hour daily increase in vigorous PA may result in a meaningful impact on depressive symptoms. PA was protective of depressed mood in participants falling within the oldest quartile but not the three younger quartiles. Age was also a significant predictor of later depressed mood in older adults but not in younger adults indicating PA may be more important in an older population who could be more at risk for depressed mood.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year

2014

Author dc:creator

• Silber, Benjamin J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Morton, Kelly R.
• Boyd, Kendal C.
• Fraser, Gary E.
• Tonstad, Serena

• Psychology
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Mood Disorders - Psychology; Mental Health - Aged; Exercise Therapy; Geriatric Assessment; Activities of Daily Living - Psychology - Aged; Physical Fitness - Aged
• Depression
• Physical Activity
• Biopsychosocial Religion and Health Study
• Older Adults
• Depressed Mood Indices

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/179

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-1193