This prospective cohort study reports a dose-response link between physical activity and depression in 90,585 participants, suggesting implications for treatment in high-risk groups.
Key Points
Depression risk decreases as total accelerometer measurements reach 30 mg, with optimal physical activity durations found at 2000 minutes for light physical activity per week.
Among the participants, 1,641 developed clinical depression over 8.35 years, with device-measured physical activity showing benefits regardless of intensity.
Cox proportional hazards models indicated that while physical activity reduces depression risk, higher intensities do not provide extra advantages if total volume is maintained.
The findings highlight a threshold effect where benefits of physical activity diminish beyond optimal durations, especially in women and those with obesity.