Young girls who are physically fit have reduced risk of depression by the time they reach seventh grade, a new study shows.
The positive effects of staying fit were seen in boys and girls. However, more positive results were observed in the girls. The research, led by Camilo Ruggero, PhD, of the University of North Texas, interviewed 437 students of which 55 percent were girls.
All the participants were sixth-graders from six middle schools located in North Texas during the beginning of the study. Researchers continued the surveys on the children when they reached seventh and eighth grade. The team examined fitness and depression symptoms in the participants and gathered information about their weight. The fitness levels were measured through a shuttle-based run.
"A student's physical activity level may change from week to week, whereas fitness is a result of more prolonged physical activity," Ruggero said in a press release. "Assessing the students' body mass index, how well they performed on a shuttle-run test and their own feelings of personal fitness helps to give us a more complete picture of each student's fitness level."
The study results showed that 28 percent of female sixth-graders and 29 percent of female seventh-graders reported depression symptoms. Among boys, 22 percent of seventh-graders and 19 percent of eighth-graders showed the depression symptoms.
Researchers noted that the main indicator of depression in seventh grade students was its presence in sixth grade. The research team also said that higher levels of physical fitness were associated with lower depression risk.
"Depression that begins at this time can lead to chronic or recurring depression in later years," Ruggero said. "Fitness programs are one way to help prevent depression in middle-schoolers, but schools should also use other interventions, such as one-on-one or group therapy, that more directly address symptom treatment among depressed adolescents."
The study's findings were presented at the American Psychological Association's 122nd Annual Convention.
