Functional Capacity in Older Adults with Depressive Disorders

OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluated functional capacity, including locomotion and motor skills, in individuals over 60 years old diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and analyzed the impact of regular physical activity on mood and cognitive functions. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 71 patients (mean age: 71 ± 8 years) with mild or moderate depressive episodes, assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Participants scoring <24 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were excluded. The authors evaluated physical capacity using the following tests: Timed Up and Go (TUG), Single Leg Stance (SLS) with open or closed eyes (SLS OP/CL), and the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30sCST). The results were compared with population norms, and the relationship between the severity of depressive symptoms and physical capacity was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Significant reductions in physical capacity were observed in the study group. Test results indicate a significant negative correlation between the severity of depressive symptoms and functional capacity, particularly for SLS OP (r = -0.33; p = 0.042) and 30sCST (r = -0.26; p = 0.031). Women scored worse than men, and a higher body mass index (BMI) correlated with reduced physical capacity. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate a significant impact of depression on the deterioration of functional capacity in older adults, emphasizing the importance of incorporating physical interventions into the treatment of this population.