Relationship between physical activity and incidence of depression in Chinese older adults

HU Zhonghua; ZHAO Hongyan; JIANG Xiurong; XI Yingxue; SHEN Lijuan; YE Tian; LU Chunfeng

doi:10.12102/j.issn.1009-6493.2025.01.005

Abstract：Objective:To understand the current distribution of physical activity of different intensities among older adults in China and to explore the impact of overall physical activity dose on the incidence of depression.Methods:A total of 8 235 samples were selected from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS)database.Physical activity was calculated using metabolic equivalents(METs).The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale(CESD-10)was used to assess the presence of depression.Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between the overall dose of physical activity and the incidence of depression.Results:Among the older adults,78.0% engaged in low-intensity physical activity,53.1% engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity,and 32.2% engaged in high-intensity physical activity,the incidence of depression was 40.9% .The overall dose of physical activity,ranging from 1 to 3 times(600 to 1 800 METs-min/week)the minimum recommended level(600 METs-min/week),showed a negative correlation with the incidence of depression(P<0.05).However,when the overall dose of physical activity was equal to or exceeded 12 000 METs-min/week,it showed a positive correlation with the incidence of depression(P<0.01).Conclusion:The majority of older adults in China engage in low-intensity physical activity.When the overall dose of physical activity ranges from(600 to 1 800 METs-min/week),it may potentially reduce the incidence of depression.However,when the overall dose of physical activity reaches or exceeds 12 000 METs-min/week,it may lead to an increased incidence of depression.