Relationship between types of physical activity and depression among urban middle- aged and elderly adults in China

Background Physical activity (PA) is recognized as an effective approach for preventing and managing depression. However, no studies to date have examined the effects of different types of PA on depression among middle-aged and elderly adults in China. This study aimed to analyze the potential relationship between different types of PA and depression among urban middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods This study utilized data from the 2020 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total of 3,164 urban residents aged 45 years and older were included. Depression was assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) and served as the dependent variable, while different types of PA were treated as independent variables. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to analyze the role of PA in urban middle-aged and elderly adults depression. Results A substantial proportion (29.3%) of urban middle-aged and older adults reported depressive symptoms, with a higher prevalence among women (36.2%). High-intensity PA at work was identified as a risk factor for depression, highlighting a 51% increased risk for both sexes. Individuals engaging in moderate-intensity exercise demonstrated a 25% lower likelihood of depression compared to those engaged in moderate-intensity work-related PA. Those participating in low-intensity exercise showed a 20% reduced likelihood of depression relative to counterparts involved in low-intensity work-related PA. Among men, those engaging in moderate-intensity exercise had a 34% lower likelihood of depression, while women participating in low-intensity exercise exhibited a 23% reduction in depression likelihood. Conclusions The impact of different types of PA on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults showed gender-specific variations. High-intensity occupational PA was associated with increased depression levels among urban middle-aged and older adults. In contrast, moderate-intensity leisure-time physical activity was linked to reduced depression levels in men, while low-intensity leisure-time physical activity was associated with decreased depression levels in women. For urban middle-aged and older adults in China, greater attention should be given to strengthening different types of PA for the prevention and alleviation of depression.