중년층의 신체활동이 정신건강에 미치는 영향: 감염병 위기상황을 중심으로

초록

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of physical activity on mental health—specifically anxiety and depression, perceived stress, suicidal ideation, and quality of life—among middle-aged adults in South Korea by comparing pre- and post–COVID-19 pandemic periods. Methods: Data were derived from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), spanning the 3rd year of the 6th cycle (2015) to the 2nd year of the 9th cycle (2023). A total of 15,713 adults aged 40–64 years were included. Complex sample logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between physical activity and mental health. Results: First, leisure-time physical activity increased after the pandemic, whereas transport-related and total physical activity decreased; occupational physical activity showed an increasing trend, although this was not statistically significant. Second, compared with inactivity, minimally active individuals (600–2,999 MET-min/week) showed significant protective effects against anxiety and depression in the post-pandemic period. Third, minimally active physical activity (600–2,999 MET-min/week) was significantly associated with reduced perceived stress after the pandemic. Fourth, health-enhancing physical activity (≥3,000 MET-min/week) showed significant protective effects against suicidal ideation in the post-pandemic period. Conclusion: During infectious disease–related crisis situations, the sustained maintenance of minimal physical activity serves as an important protective factor for mental health among middle-aged adults.

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