Key result
Reporting no light leisure-time physical activity was associated with significantly higher odds of case-level depression (OR 2.04) compared to engaging in 3 or more hours of activity per week.
Why the study?
Does physical activity reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in the general population?
Cross-Sectional (n=40,401)
Does physical activity reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in the general population?
Effect estimate: OR 2.04 (95% CI 1.74-2.38)
p-value: p=<0.001
Regular leisure-time physical activity of any intensity is associated with a lower likelihood of depression symptoms, a relationship partially explained by social benefits rather than biological changes.
Supports light activity consideration for depression; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that physical activity may have antidepressant and/or anti-anxiety effects. AIMS: To examine the bidirectional relationship between physical activity and common mental disorders and establish the importance of context, type and intensity of activity undertaken. METHOD: A clinical examination of 40 401 residents of Norway was undertaken. Participants answered questions relating to the frequency and intensity of both leisure-time and workplace activity. Depression and anxiety were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Biological and social data were also collected. RESULTS: There was an inverse relationship between the amount of leisure-time physical activity and case-level symptoms of depression. This cross-sectional association was only present with leisure-time (as opposed to workplace) activity and was not dependent on the intensity of activities undertaken. Higher levels of social support and social engagement were important in explaining the relationship between leisure activity and depression. Biological changes such as alterations to parasympathetic vagal tone (resting pulse) and changes to metabolic markers had a less important role. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who engage in regular leisure-time activity of any intensity are less likely to have symptoms of depression. The context and social benefits of exercise are important in explaining this relationship.
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Harvey et al. (2010) conducted a cross-sectional in Common mental disorders (depression and anxiety) (n=40,401). Leisure-time physical activity (light and intense) vs. ≥3 h/week of physical activity (reference group) was evaluated on Case-level symptoms of depression (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.74-2.38, p=<0.001). Reporting no light leisure-time physical activity was associated with significantly higher odds of case-level depression (OR 2.04) compared to engaging in 3 or more hours of activity per week.
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