Research Impact: This study quantified associations of weekly accumulated moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) doses with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) among 7,650 older adults across 10 years of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Compared to no activity, 18%, 22%, and 31% lower odds of GAD were shown among older adults for doses below recommendations (1-<600 MET.min.week-1), meeting recommendations (600-<1200 MET.min.week-1) and the highest doses (≥2400 MET.min.week-1), respectively. Importantly, compared to no activity, engaging in even minimal MVPA, as little as the equivalent of 10min/day for five days/week of moderate-intensity (e.g., brisk walking), was associated with 47% lower odds of GAD.
Herring, M.P., Rasmussen, C.L., McDowell, C.P., Gordon, B.R., Kenny, R.A. and Laird, E., 2024. Physical activity dose for Generalized Anxiety Disorder & worry: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Psychiatry Research, p.115723. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115723 (IF: 11.3; Q1 Psychiatry; R=9/155; Decile 1)
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