2023-07-17 07:11:20
An Irish study has identified the minimum duration of moderate physical activity to be performed to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms and major depression in adults aged 50 and over.
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The new study conducted by the University of Limerick (Ireland) shows that daily moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, is associated with a reduced risk of depression in adults over 50. Specifically, 20 minutes of walking a day (five days a week) would be enough to provide good results.
« We sought to identify the lowest dose of physical activity associated with protection once morest major depression and depressive symptoms », said Dr Eamon Laird, researcher in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at the University of Limerick. If the dose found is lower than the WHO recommendations (150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity endurance activity), its application may be useful for some people to at least reduce the risk of depression.
A study of 4,000 adults aged 50 and over
Research published in JAMA Network followed 4,016 adults aged at least 50 years (61 years on average) for ten years. The minimum dose of physical activity recommended by the researchers was associated with a 16% lower risk of depressive symptoms and a 43% lower risk of major depression, compared to inactive people. Benefits were greater at higher doses. For example, doses equivalent to 120 minutes per day of brisk walking were associated with a 23% reduction in the risk of depressive symptoms and a 49% reduction in the risk of major depression.
In people aged 50 and over, depression is associated with an increased risk of physical, social and cognitive dysfunction. The regular practice of moderate to sustained physical activity had already been associated with a reduced risk of depression, without agreeing on the minimum recommended duration.
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