Association Between Resistance Exercise Frequency and Possible Sarcopenia in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms
10.47825/jkgp.2026.30.1.35
- Author:
Keunhye LIM
1
;
Yoon Young CHANG
;
Bo Kyung SOHN
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Geriatric Psychiatry
2026;30(1):35-41
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study examined the association between resistance exercise frequency and possible sarcopenia in middleaged and older adults, evaluating the mediating role of depressive symptoms.
Methods:This cross-sectional study used data from the 2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A to-tal of 2,183 adults aged ≥50 years with complete data were included. Resistance exercise frequency (days/week) and depressive symptoms assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were treated as continuous variables. Multivariable logisticregression and mediation analysis were conducted, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates.
Results:Possible sarcopenia was identified in 165 participants (7.6%). Higher resistance exercise frequency was significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of possible sarcopenia (β=-0.135, p=0.017) and lower PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.106, p=0.008).Higher PHQ-9 scores were positively associated with possible sarcopenia (β=0.085, p<0.001). Depressive symptoms partially mediated the association between resistance exercise frequency and possible sarcopenia (indirect effect β=-0.009, 95% confidence interval: -0.018 to -0.003).
Conclusion:Depressive symptoms were associated with possible sarcopenia and partially mediated the relationship between resistance exercise frequency and possible sarcopenia. These findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health con-siderations into strategies aimed at preventing early declines in muscle function among middle-aged and older adults.
