Are changes in physical activity associated with depression? A follow-up study of 1,950 individuals

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BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the association between changes in physical activity and depression among 1,950 Brazilians. Individuals who increased their physical activity and those who decreased it were not associated with reduced depression. Conversely, being consistently active was identified as an independent and significant protective factor against depression in this population. ■ Persistently active individuals have strong independent protective factors against depression. ■ BMI (kg/m) is an independent risk factor for depression. ■ Individuals with depression at follow-up were older than those without depression. ■ Perceived stress is a strong independent risk factor for depression. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between changes in physical activity and depression in 1,950 Brazilians. METHODS: This follow-up study included 1,950 Brazilians, aged ≥18 years, of both sexes, who participated in a health screening initiative between 2008 and 2022. Physical activity levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and follow-up, and groups related to changes in physical activity were created. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Clinical data and behavioral profiles were also analyzed. Comparative and logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: The multivariate analysis demonstrated that persistently active individuals had reduced depression (odds ratio [OR], 0.70, 95%CI= 0.55-0.91, p=0.006). Individuals who became active and those who became less active were not associated with a reduction in depression (respectively, OR= 0.81, 95%CI= 0.63-1.05, p=0.109 and OR= 1.11, 95%CI= 0.82-1.51, p=0.481). CONCLUSION: Persistent activity was an independent, strong protective factor against depression in 1,950 Brazilians. Furthermore, becoming active or less active was not associated with depression in the same population.

Persistent physical activity is an independent protective factor against depression in adults, whereas simply becoming active over a short follow-up was not significantly associated with reduced depression.