Physical activity levels in Brazilian outpatients with bipolar disorder.

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate physical activity (PA) levels in individuals with bipolar disorder. Specifically, it sought to compare these levels across mood states (mania, depression, euthymia).

Methods: A cross-sectional study utilizing both subjective (Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire-SIMPAQ) and objective (accelerometers) measures to assess PA. Symptom severity was assessed using The Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Mood states were detected and assessed using the YMRS and HAM-D scales. One-way ANOVAs were used to compare differences in PA and sedentary behavior (SB) across mood states. Correlates were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results: The sample included 43 individuals, 81.5% female, mean age of 47 years (SD=10.4). Regarding mood states, 17 patients were categorized as euthymic, 11 as manic and 15 as depression. The mania group exhibited the highest PA levels, mean = 206 minutes MVPA/week (SD=146.80), while the depression group was the most sedentary, mean = 428 (SD=224.44) minutes/day. ANOVA revealed significant differences in PA levels among the mood states (mania and depression) in accelerometry MVPA (F = 3.598; p = 0.037; η2p = 0.152) and SIMPAQ MVPA (euthymic, mania, depression) (F = 7.373; p = 0.002; η2p = 0.269).

Conclusion: The mania group demonstrated higher PA levels, whereas the depression group exhibited more SB. These findings highlight distinct PA patterns that may inform clinical management and treatment of bipolar disorder.