Background and Objectives: Physical activity has the potential to alleviate depressive symptoms among older adults, however, the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of interoceptive accuracy and awareness in the relationship between engagement in physical activity and depressive symptoms in older adults.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online using convenience sampling in China. Mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS version 4.1 within SPSS 26.0. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS), and rated confidence were utilized to assess participants’ physical activity engagement, depressive symptoms, interoceptive accuracy, and awareness, respectively.
Results: The survey received responses from 824 elderly individuals, comprising 418 men and 406 women. The majority of participants were aged between 55 and 79 years, with only 19.1% being over the age of 80. Interoceptive accuracy (indirect effect = -0.071, SE = 0.013, 95% CI boot = [-0.098, -0.047]) and awareness (indirect effect = -0.046, SE = 0.016, 95% CI boot = [-0.079, -0.016]) were identified as partial mediators in the relationship between physical activity engagement and depressive symptoms.
Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of developing alternative physical activity programs that enhance interoceptive abilities to effectively mitigate depressive symptoms in this demographic.
Clinical Implications: By fostering a stronger connection between bodily sensations and physical activity, healthcare providers may empower older adults to manage depressive symptoms more effectively, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

Authors:
Meiling Qi, Shandong University, China

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Meiling Qi is an Associate Research Professor at the School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China. Her research primarily focuses on activity behavior and mental health promotion, with an emphasis on older adults.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Meiling-Qi-4

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