Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: January-March | Volume: 7 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 179-187
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20220129
Relationship between Habitual Physical Activity, Depression and Functional Mobility in Older Adults – A Pilot Cross Sectional Study
Keerthi Mezhunnath*, Haripriya Santhakumar**, Ravish Thunga***
*Assistant Professor, Dept. of Physiotherapy, A.W.H. Special College, Calicut, Kerala-673003
** Associate Professor, Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Mangalore, 575002
***Professor and HOD, Department of psychiatry, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore, 575004
Corresponding Author: Keerthi Mezhunnath
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Ageing is characterized by a decline in mobility function and mental health. Physical activity can possibly play a role in maintaining mental health and functional independence in older adults, but it is seen that elderly persons do not tend to be adequately physically active.
Purpose: To assess physical activity, depression and functional mobility in older adults and to determine the relationship between these factors in them.
Materials and Methods: A pilot cross sectional study was conducted on 40 older adults with age ≥ 65 years (mean=69.72, SD=± 4.95). Physical activity was assessed using Short Form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ- SF), depression with Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS- SF) and functional mobility using Time Up and Go test (TUG).
Statistical Analysis: The data was analyzed using Spearman co-efficient of correlation and regression analysis to examine the relationship between IPAQ, GDS and TUG scores.
Results: A significant negative correlation was found between GDS and IPAQ and with IPAQ and TUG. Between GDS and TUG, there was a significant positive correlation. All correlations were significant with p value <0.05. Regression analysis showed that increased IPAQ scores could predict lower TUG scores and lower GDS scores.
Conclusion: There was a significant association between level of physical activity, depression, and functional mobility in older adults. Each of these factors needs to be considered when addressing others, considering the relationship between them. Encouraging elderly persons to stay physically active can help maintain their physical and mental health.
Keywords: Older adults, Physical activity, Depression, Functional mobility, Fear of fall, Loneliness.