title: Improved physical function and physical activity in older adults following a community-based intervention: Relationships with a history of depression.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of a history of depression with moderate physical activity and physical function before and after a physical activity intervention of congregate meal participants in senior centers from all 12 Georgia Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Participants were a convenience sample of older adults (n=376, mean age=76 years, 82% female, 64% Caucasian, 36% African American, 22% a history of depression). The physical activity intervention included educator-led chair exercises that incorporated balls and bands. Pre- and post-tests assessed moderate physical activity and physical function. At the pre-test, a history of depression was not related to moderate physical activity or physical function. Following the intervention there were significant increases in both moderate physical activity and physical function, but a history of depression was a negative predictor of improvements in physical activity when controlled for site, demographics, and health-related conditions. These results provide an evidence base for the effectiveness of this intervention in improving moderate physical activity and physical function in a community setting, but additional efforts may be needed to improve the impact of this type of intervention among older adults with a history of depression.
authors: The University of Georgia, Department of Foods and Nutrition, 280 Dawson Hall, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
authors: Kathryn N
authors: KN
authors: Porter
authors: Joan G
authors: JG
authors: Fischer
authors: Mary Ann
authors: MA
authors: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression; D003866:Depressive Disorder; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States