J Korean Geriatr Psychiatry.  2026 Apr;30(1):35-41. 10.47825/jkgp.2026.30.1.35.

Association Between Resistance Exercise Frequency and Possible Sarcopenia in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms

• Lim K
• Chang YY
• Sohn BK

• KMID: 2581169
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.47825/jkgp.2026.30.1.35

Abstract

Objective
This study examined the association between resistance exercise frequency and possible sarcopenia in middleaged and older adults, evaluating the mediating role of depressive symptoms.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2022 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A to- tal of 2,183 adults aged ≥50 years with complete data were included. Resistance exercise frequency (days/week) and depressive symptoms assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were treated as continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis were conducted, adjusting for demographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates.
Results
Possible sarcopenia was identified in 165 participants (7.6%). Higher resistance exercise frequency was significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of possible sarcopenia (β=-0.135, p=0.017) and lower PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.106, p=0.008). Higher PHQ-9 scores were positively associated with possible sarcopenia (β=0.085, p<0.001). Depressive symptoms partially mediated the association between resistance exercise frequency and possible sarcopenia (indirect effect β=-0.009, 95% confidence interval: -0.018 to -0.003).
Conclusion
Depressive symptoms were associated with possible sarcopenia and partially mediated the relationship between resistance exercise frequency and possible sarcopenia. These findings highlight the importance of integrating mental health con- siderations into strategies aimed at preventing early declines in muscle function among middle-aged and older adults.

Keyword

Sarcopenia; Hand strength; Resistance training; Depression; Middle aged; Aged