JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Intensity and domain of physical activity (PA) are suggested to be critical to its protective effect against depression, however, existing literature has shown mixed results.

Objective:

The purpose of this population-based study is to examine the associations between depression and weekly duration of 1) total PA and 2) PA subset by intensity and/or domain.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2007-2018 was conducted using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. Participants (n = 29,730) were 20+ years old and completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire and Depression Screener. The primary outcome was depression status and the secondary outcomes were cognitive-affective and somatic symptoms of depression.

Results:

Participants with increased weekly duration of recreational PA had decreases in depression odds (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.965, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.944, 0.986) and in somatic (adjusted coefficient [aβ] = -0.016, 95% CI -0.022, -0.009) and cognitive-affective (aβ = -0.015, 95% CI -0.023, -0.007) symptoms. However, significant associations were not seen for weekly duration of work-related, moderate- or vigorous-intensity PAs.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that recreational, not work-related, PA is associated with reduced symptoms of depression. Future studies should explore the impact of the different types and contexts of PA on depressive symptomatology.