Examining the Relationship between the Level of Physical Activity and Incidence of Depression among Adults Living with Disability

Studies reveal low levels of physical activity among U.S. adults, particularly among those living with either an intellectual or physical disability. This research explores the relationship between a quality of life indicator, depression, and levels of physical activity in a population of disabled U.S. adults. Previous interventions have shown physcial activity has positive effects on psychological and physical health. Utilizing the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, secondary analysis allowed for in-depth analysis of the relationships between physical activity and depression among a nationally representative sample of disabled U.S. adults. Physical activity is operationalized as whether or not an individual participates in the recommended amount of physical activity defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results of the current study indicate that meeting physical activity guidelines is not significantly associated (p>0.05) with depression among disabled U.S. adults, contrary to literature on able-bodied adults. Results indicated a significant positive association between depression and several of the control variables used in the analysis, including younger age (p<0.001), presence of co-morbidities (p<0.001), and low socioeconomic status (p