The role of physical activity in post-stroke depression among European women and men aged 50 and older

Objective To examine the associations between the frequency of moderate–vigorous physical activity and depression among adults aged 50 years or older with a history of stroke. Design and setting Cross-sectional study using data from Wave 9 (2021–2022) of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe. Participants A total of 1323 adults aged 50 years or older with a history of stroke, residing in 18 European countries, were included. Analysis Binary logistic regression models were used to examine associations between the weekly frequency of moderate–vigorous physical activity and depression. Analyses were stratified by sex and adjusted for potential confounders. Main measurements Depression was assessed using the 12-item European Depression Scale. Weekly moderate–vigorous physical activity frequency was categorized as <1 time per week, 1 time per week, or >1 time per week. Results Adjusted results showed that, for men, engaging in moderate physical activity once (odds ratio = 0.60) or more than once a week (odds ratio = 0.49) reduced the odds of depression. For vigorous physical activity, the benefit in men required a frequency of more than once a week (odds ratio = 0.61). Among women, moderate–vigorous physical activity significantly reduced the risk of depression only when performed more than once a week (odds ratio = 0.58 and 0.43, respectively). Conclusion In individuals aged 50 or older with a history of stroke, the weekly frequency of moderate–vigorous physical activity was associated with lower odds of depression in both sexes. However, the benefits of this association vary by sex.