Association Between Physical Activity and Depression in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Interoception.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mediating role of interoceptive accuracy and awareness in the association between physical activity and depression in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted through an online survey. Data collection took place from July 15 to September 10, 2024. Mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS (version 4.1) in SPSS 26.0. This study included 824 middle-aged and older adults, comprising 418 men and 406 women. RESULTS: Interoceptive accuracy (indirect effect = -0.071, SE = 0.013, 95% confidence interval boot [-0.098, -0.047]) and awareness (indirect effect = -0.046, SE = 0.016, 95% confidence interval boot [-0.079, -0.016]) were identified as partial mediators in the relationship between physical activity and depression in middle-aged and older adults. CONCLUSION: The research findings underscore the importance of developing tailored physical activity programs, as such activities have the potential to be associated with higher interoceptive accuracy and awareness and lower levels of depression within this population. IMPLICATIONS: A more profound understanding of the interoceptive mechanisms underlying depression can inform the development of precision-targeted interventions aimed at augmenting psychological well-being in middle-aged and older adults. Findings suggest that incorporating interoceptive training into physical activity protocols may present a promising approach for mental health interventions in this population.