 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Nancy C. Gyurcsik, PhD, Department of Kinesiology and Research and Extension Office of Community Health, Kansas State University, 1A Natatorium, Manhattan, KS 66506-0302, 785-532-0703, gyurcsik@ksu.edu and Paul Estabrooks, PhD, Department of Kinesiology and Research & Extension, Kansas State University, 1A Natatorium, Manhattan, KS 66506-0302.
Arthritis is the most common chronic disease in the United States affecting one in two older adults. Depression is one major negative health impact of arthritis. Although regular physical activity is a recommended behavioral strategy to self-manage depression in individuals with arthritis, minimal research has examined possible mechanisms through which this impact occurs. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of depression in physically active older adults with arthritis. Participants were 152 adults aged 65 years or older (Mage = 75 years; 89% female) with various types of arthritis. All participants were engaged in aquatic exercise. Measures of depression, physical functioning, pain, and social interaction were obtained concurrently after a designated aquatics session. Findings revealed that participants did not report high levels of depression as would be expected in individuals with arthritis (M = 11.73; cut-point for depression = 16 or greater). A multiple regression analysis revealed that physical functioning, pain, and social interaction were significant and independent predictors of depression (R2 adj. = .29; p < .01). Examination of the standardized betas revealed that depression decreased as pain decreased and as physical functioning and social interaction increased. Findings suggest that physical activity may be one way to manage depression and that physical functioning, pain, and social interaction may mediate the relationship between physical activity and depression. Findings may also have implications in the design of physical activity interventions aimed at influencing these mediators that, in turn, should alleviate depression in individuals with arthritis.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.