Journal of Physical Education and Sports Management

The Investigation of the Relationship between Physical Activity and Depressive Symptom Levels among Women during Senility
Halil Tanır, Ayla Karakullukçu

Abstract
Background: The purpose of the present research is evaluating the effects of some individual and environmental factors (body composition, education status, residential centre, number of children) on depressive symptoms and the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptom levels during senility. Method: The sample of the present research consisted of 164 women who applied to an official health centre in the province of Kırıkkale due to various health problems. The physical activity levels of the sample women were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); depressive symptoms among women were identified using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Findings: According to the findings of the present research there is a low level of negative correlation between physical activity and depressive symptom level. It was also found that personal and environmental factors such as body composition, residential location, number of children, and educational status did not affect the level of physical activity and depressive symptoms of older women, who participated in the present research. Conclusion: Findings of the present research showed that even low, physical activity had effects on the reduction of depressive symptoms among women during senility.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jpesm.v5n1a7