Cognitive function as a mediator in the relationship between physical activity and depression status in older adults

Kelly Birch, Merritt Ten Hope, Michael Malek-Ahmadi, Kathy O'Connor, Sharon Schofeld, David Coon, Walter Nieri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Previous research has found that increased physical activity may provide a protective effect on depression status; however, these studies do not account for cognitive function. This study's aim was to determine whether cognitive function mediates the association between physical activity depression status in older adults. Data from 501 older adults were used for this analysis. Physical activity had a signifcant protective effect on depression (OR = 0.761, 95% CI [0.65, 0.89], p =.001). Adjusted analysis yielded an attenuated association (OR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.69, 0.95], p =.01) with a signifcant interaction for physical activity and cognitive function (OR = 0.991, 95% CI [0.985, 0.997], p =.005). MoCA performance also had a signifcant mediating effect on the relationship between physical activity and depression status (p =.04). These fndings suggest that cognitive function is associated with, and does mediate, the relationship between physical activity and depression status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)540-546
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity
Volume24
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2016

Keywords

  • Activity level
  • Cognition
  • Depression
  • Geriatrics
  • Physical activity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Gerontology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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