Longitudinal Associations Between Physical Activity, Anxiety, an Depression in Adults With Long-Term Physical Disabilities

Objective: To evaluate the longitudinal associations between self-reported physical activity and anxiety and depression symptom severity in adults with long-term physical disabilities. Method: A secondary analysis of data from a United States-based longitudinal survey study of community-dwelling adults with 1 of 4 potential long-term physical disabilities (multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, postpoliomyelitis syndrome). The first time point (T1) for the current study was completed by 1,594 participants. The second survey (F2) was sent 1 year later, and the third (13) was sent 3 years later; each were completed by 1,380 and 1,218 participants, respectively. At each time point, participants completed a measure of physical activity (Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System short forms evaluating depression and anxiety severity. Results: Mixed growth curve models showed greater quantities of physical activity were associated with decreases in both depression (chi(2)(2) = 84.01, p < .001) and anxiety (chi(2)(2) = 21.66, p < .001) symptom severity over the 4-year period. Ilowever, while greater quantities of moderate (anxiety z = -2.24, p < .05; depression z = -5.48, p < .001) and strenuous (anxiety z = -2.59, p < .05; depression z = -3.90, p < .001) physical activity were significantly associated with decreases in negative affect, mild physical activity was not. Conclusion: The current study provides evidence that physical activity is longitudinally associated with anxious and depressive symptoms in adults with long-term physical disabilities. Future research should examine the quantities and intensities of physical activity necessary to impart psychological benefits.