Vigorous-intensity physical activity was associated with reduced feelings of depression in men (OR 0.580), whereas walking was associated with enhanced emotional well-being in women (OR 1.202).
Cross-Sectional (n=6,803)
Does physical activity intensity differentially affect mental health outcomes in men versus women?
The optimal physical activity intensity for mental health benefits differs by gender, with vigorous activity being most beneficial for men and mild-to-moderate activity for women.
Effect estimate: OR 0.580 (95% CI 0.405-0.830)
p-value: p=0.003
OBJECTIVE: To explore gender-specific variations related to activity intensity in the relationship between physical activity (PA) and mental health (MH). Evaluating whether psychological well-being enhances with increases in PA at recommended levels and above, in the general population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Population-based, representative for Belgium. SUBJECTS: A total of 6803 adults aged 25-64 years from the Belgian National Health Interview Survey. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that clearly different intensity levels characterised the PA that associated with MH in women and men. In men, inverse associations existed between participation in vigorous-intensity PA and feelings of depression (OR = 0.580; 95 % CI 0.405, 0.830), anxiety (OR = 0.547; 95 % CI 0.364, 0.821) and symptoms of somatisation (OR = 0.590; 95 % CI 0.398, 0.874). In women, positive associations existed between walking and emotional well-being (OR = 1.202; 95 % CI 1.038, 1.394) and inverse associations between participation in moderate-intensity PA and symptoms of somatisation (OR = 0.737; 95 % CI 0.556, 0.977). Secondary analyses confirmed that differences in psychological complaints were significant for vigorous PA in men, and for moderate PA in women, whereas differences in emotional well-being were significant for walking exclusively in women. CONCLUSIONS: In the general population, the PA-MH relationship is always positive, regardless of activity intensity. In men, it addresses complaints (symptoms, palpable discomfort) and the optimal PA intensity is high. In women, it addresses complaints, but also distress (lowered mood, disturbing anxiety, altered well-being) and the PA intensity is mild.
Asztalos et al. (Thu,) conducted a cross-sectional in Mental health (n=6,803). Physical activity (vigorous, moderate, walking) vs. Below recommended levels of physical activity was evaluated on Feelings of depression in men associated with vigorous physical activity (OR 0.580, 95% CI 0.405-0.830, p=0.003). Vigorous-intensity physical activity was associated with reduced feelings of depression in men (OR 0.580), whereas walking was associated with enhanced emotional well-being in women (OR 1.202).