Physical activity shown to reduce depression in people with arthritis-related pain

Physical activity may be particularly important in managing depressive symptoms in people with more severe pain due to osteoarthritis, a study finds published online July 18 in PLOS Global Public Health.

Michaela C. Pascoe, Ph.D., of the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues assessed whether physical activity is associated with lower symptoms of depression, regardless of pain levels, in individuals with osteoarthritis. The analysis included individuals with osteoarthritis who were awaiting an orthopedic consultation.

The researchers found that the inverse association between physical activity and depression was dependent on pain level. The association was stronger in people with more pain. Participation in physical activity was indirectly and inversely associated with depressive symptoms through lower pain levels. The highest pain levels were associated with the greatest potential benefit from participation in physical activity in terms of reducing depressive symptoms.

“This underscores the need for education of both healthcare professionals and patients about the importance of regular physical activity for pain management and mental health and access to appropriate self-management or clinical interventions to increase and maintain engagement in physical activity,” the authors write.

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