Researchers from the University of Cambridge found no significant association between depression symptoms and physical activities among adolescents, according to a new study.
Many studies have highlighted that people, especially adolescents who stay physically active, are less likely to suffer from depression. Any method that reduces depression rates can significantly lower the financial and personal costs people with such mental conditions face. Previous studies have also highlighted that the onset of this mental disorder begins as early as adolescence or earlier. Therefore, preventative measures taken during this time can prove to be beneficial. Such studies have also established that physical activities are a cost-effective way to reduce the risk of depression. However, the evidence is not clear-cut.
To further examine this hypothesis, researchers from the University of Cambridge conducted a study, which included 736 participants (average age 14.5 years). The study was conducted from November 2005 through January 2010. Researchers followed the participants - who used physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measures - for three years after baseline. The PA measures were broken into weekday and weekend activity. A self-reported questionnaire measured mood symptoms and an interview was conducted at baseline, then three years later.
At the end of the study, no link was found between physical activities at the age of 14 and depression outcomes at the age of 17 years.
"Our findings do not eliminate the possibility that PA positively affects depressed mood in the general population; rather, we suggest that this effect may be small or non-existent during the period of adolescence," researchers said. "Our findings carry important public policy implications because they help to clarify the effect of PA on depressive symptoms in the general population. Although PA has numerous benefits to physical health in later life, such positive effects may not be expected on depressive outcomes during adolescence."
