Research Impact: The lowest dose of MVPA for protection against depression and the extent to which exceeding this dose conveys additional protection are unknown. We quantified associations between different MVPA doses and depressive symptoms and Major Depression among the same 4,016 older adults (2,205 women) across 10 years from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Participants performing 400 to less than 600 MET∙min∙wk−1 had a 16% lower rate of depressive symptoms and 43% lower odds of Major Depression. Significant antidepressant benefits were noted for MVPA doses below current recommendations for overall health, although greater doses were associated with greater odds reductions.
Laird E, Rasmussen CL, Kenny RA, Herring MP. Physical activity dose and depression in a cohort of older adults in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. JAMA Network Open, 2023;6(7):e2322489. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22489.
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