Physical Activity May Reduce Depression and Anxiety in COPD Patients
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who engage in higher levels of physical activity are less likely to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety over time, according to a new study.
Multimorbidity is common in patients with COPD. And because a number of risk factors, including physical activity level, can affect patients’ risk of developing comorbidities like depression and anxiety, the researchers assessed the relationship between physical activity level and 7 categories of comorbidities (cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, musculoskeletal, mental, malignant, and infectious diseases) in this patient population.
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The study examined physical activity level and mental health status of 409 patients with COPD presenting to primary care practices in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Physical activity was assessed using the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and at a 5-year follow-up, and mental health was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire at follow-up. Patients also reported their comorbidities at follow-up.
Overall, baseline physical activity level was not significantly associated with comorbidities. However, secondary analysis that focused on the most prevalent comorbidities—depression (n = 79) and anxiety (n = 80)—found that higher levels of physical activity lowered the risk for these mental health conditions. The study indicated that the risks of depression and anxiety were lower in patients who reported higher levels of physical activity, such as walking outside.
Through this study, the researchers found that rehabilitation and physical activity promotion programs, while important in increasing levels of physical activity in patients with COPD, can also serve as an approach for testing to lower patients’ risks of depression and anxiety.
“In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, those with high physical activity are less likely to develop depression or anxiety symptoms over time,” the researchers concluded. “Increasing physical activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients may be an approach for testing to lower the burden from incident depression and anxiety.”
—Christina Vogt
Reference:
Yu T, ter Reit G, Puhan MA, Frei A. Physical activity and risk of comorbidities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cohort study. Prim Care Respir Med. 2017;27(36). doi:10.1038/s41533-017-0034-x.