Depressive symptoms among older adults: long-term reduction after a physical activity intervention.
We examined the effects of two physical activity modes on depressive symptoms over a 5-year period among older adults and change in physical self-esteem as a mediator of changes in depressive symptoms. Formerly sedentary, older adults (N = 174) were randomly assigned into 6-month conditions of either walking or low-intensity resistance/flexibility training. Depressive symptoms and physical self-esteem were measured before and after the 6-month intervention, and 12 and 60 months after intervention initiation. Depressive symptoms scores were decreased immediately after the intervention, followed by a sustained reduction for 12 and 60 months after intervention initiation; there was no differential pattern of change between the physical activity modes. Change in physical self-esteem predicted change in depressive symptoms. This study supports the effectiveness of an exercise intervention for the sustained reduction of depressive symptoms among sedentary older adults and physical self-esteem as a potential mediator of this effect.
Motl
Robert W
RW
Department of Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Konopack
James F
JF
McAuley
Edward
E
Elavsky
Steriani
S
Jerome
Gerald J
GJ
Marquez
David X
DX
D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking