Depression, Anxiety, and Physical Activity in Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis

Authors

Rachel E. Bollaert, Marquette UniversityFollow
C. Danielle Jones, University of Alabama, Birmingham
Petra Silic, University of Alabama, Birmingham
Robert W. Motl, University of Alabama, Birmingham

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2023

Publisher

Human Kinetics

Source Publication

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

Source ISSN

1063-8652

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1123/japa.2021-0447

Abstract

This study examined levels of depression and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores), and self-reported (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), and accelerometer-measured physical activity in older adults with multiple sclerosis (n = 40) compared with age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 40). We observed differences in depression, anxiety, and physical activity between groups and further observed that minutes/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity partially accounted for group differences in depression scores. We provide preliminary support for research examining approaches for increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity and possibly reducing depression symptoms in older adults with multiple sclerosis.

Comments

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. Vol. 31, No. 1 (February 2023): 128-134. DOI.

Recommended Citation

Bollaert, Rachel E.; Jones, C. Danielle; Silic, Petra; and Motl, Robert W., "Depression, Anxiety, and Physical Activity in Older Adults With Multiple Sclerosis" (2023). Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications. 218.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/exsci_fac/218