A new study from the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, GIH, has found a link between declines in fitness levels over a lifetime and the risk of conditions such as depression, anxiety, stroke, and dementia. This groundbreaking research sheds light on the importance of maintaining good physical fitness throughout life to reduce the risk of developing these serious health issues.
The study utilized data from the Swedish conscription register, combined with health assessments from occupational health services. Over nearly five decades, from 1972 to 2020, participants had their fitness levels measured during conscription at around 18 years old and again in adulthood using a cycling test. On average, there was a 25-year gap between these measurements.
Following the adult fitness assessment, participants were monitored for an average of eight years using various medical registers to track the development of depression, anxiety, stroke, and vascular dementia. The goal was to determine if individuals with higher fitness levels at both time points had a lower risk of developing these health problems later in life.
The study revealed that higher fitness levels at each measurement point, both in adolescence and adulthood, were associated with a reduced risk of developing these health issues. Additionally, an increase in fitness levels between the two measurements was linked to a lower risk of depression, anxiety, stroke, and dementia.
Conversely, a decrease in fitness levels during the same period was associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety, with risks rising by approximately 25%, according to the study findings.
One of the unique aspects of this study was the presence of fitness measurements at two different life stages for the same individuals, as highlighted by Professor Elin Ekblom Bak from GIH. This allowed researchers to examine the relationship between changes in fitness levels and the risk of developing the studied health problems. The study also found consistent associations between different methods of calculating changes in fitness levels and the outcomes, strengthening the findings.
However, as researcher Camilla Wiklund points out, it is challenging to definitively establish cause and effect in this type of research. Additionally, factors such as genetics and other unmeasured variables could play a significant role in the observed relationships. The study population consisted solely of men, making it difficult to generalize the findings to the entire population.
The scientific article detailing the study, titled „Change in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Risk of Depression, Anxiety, and Cerebrovascular Disease,“ was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of maintaining good fitness levels throughout life to reduce the risk of conditions like depression, anxiety, stroke, and dementia. By prioritizing physical fitness and making healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can potentially safeguard their mental and cognitive health as they age.