Revista Multidisciplinar Do Nordeste Mineiro · Nov 4, 2026
Variation in depressive symptoms in older adults after a physical exercise program: use of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R-20)
By Netto PCT, Oliveira HF, Dantas KBA et al.
Depression is a mental disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, changes in appetite and sleep, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. In older adults, these symptoms can often be confused with other medical conditions or with the natural processes of aging themselves, making diagnosis and appropriate treatment difficult. In light of this, the question arises as to whether participation in a structured physical exercise program is associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms among older adults. This is an uncontrolled, single-group intervention study with pre- and post-intervention measurements. The project involved older adults served by the Basic Health Units in Aracaju SE, with prior approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee of Tiradentes University (CAAE 26524719.4.0000.5371). The study investigates variation in depressive symptoms in older adults using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R-20). The research seeks to understand the relationship between aging, depressive symptoms, and physical activity, considering sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors. Of the 158 participants who underwent diagnostic assessment, 66 had data available at both time points and were included in the paired analysis. In this group, the mean score decreased from 13.97 to 12.33 points and the median from 14 to 10 points, associated with a reduction in scores in 39 participants (59.1%). However, loss to follow-up, corresponding to 58.2% of the participants initially assessed, and the absence of a comparison group limit the interpretation of the results. It is concluded that the findings point to a descriptive trend toward reduced depressive symptom scores after the intervention, possibly suggesting a favorable effect of physical exercise on the participants' mental health.