Independent and Combined Effects of Physical Activity on Psychological Distress in the Elderly

Aims: This study aimed to explore the participation in physical activity (PA) and its independent and combined effects on psychological distress (PD) among the elderly.
Methods: Participants consisted of 432 elderly, aged between 60 to 92 years old. Frequency, duration, persistence and intensity of PA were assessed through self-report questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze sex differences. F-test was used to examine the correlation between PA and PD factors. Network analysis was used to analyze the combined effects of PA on PD factors.
Results: Among females, PA duration was significantly negatively correlated with total PD scores, whereas PA intensity showed a significant positive association with PD scores. Males showed a statistically significant negative association between PA frequency and PD total scores. The frequency, duration, persistence, and intensity of PA were each associated with at least one aspect of PD in the total sample. Especially, frequency and intensity of PA were significantly associated with all subscales. Network analysis revealed that there are positive correlations between frequency, persistence, and duration of PA, all of which are negatively correlated with all PD subscales.
Conclusions: Thefrequency, duration, persistence and intensity of PAparticipation in the elderly had independent and combined effects on PD. While based on correlational and self-reported data, our findings suggest that physical activity may be beneficial for psychological health in older adults, with potential implications for overall well-being.