Change in device-measured physical activity assessed in childhood and adolescence in relation to depressive symptoms

A general population-based cohort study

Bibliographic Data

ID11176752
AuthorsMark Hamer (0000-0002-8726-7992, Institute Sport Exercise Health, Division Surgery Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK, corresponding author), P Patalay (0000-0002-5341-3461, Centre Longitudinal Studies, Institute Education, University College London, London, UK), Steven Bell (0000-0001-6774-3149, University of Cambridge), George David Batty (0000-0003-1822-5753, Department Epidemiology Public Health, University College London, London, UK)
Year2020
Volume74
Issue4
Pages330-335
Publication date2020-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0143-005X • E-ISSN: 1470-2738
PublisherBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/jech-2019-213399
PMID31974294
OpenAlexW2995472117
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited30

AIM: Evidence for a link between physical activity and mental health in young people is hampered by methodological shortcomings. Using repeat assessments of device-measured physical activity, we examined the association of within-individual variation in free-living activity over 7 years with depressive symptoms. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of children born in the UK (n=4898). Physical activity was quantified using accelerometry at ages 7 and 14. The main outcome was depressive symptoms, based on the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, assessed at age 14. RESULTS: After adjustment for socioeconomic status, body mass index and psychological problems at baseline, a higher level of light-intensity activity at age 7 in girls was associated with a lower likelihood of having depressive symptoms at follow-up (OR, 0.79; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.00), although no associations were observed for moderate to vigorous activity or sedentary behaviour. Girls who transitioned from low baseline activity to higher levels at follow-up experienced a lower risk of depressive symptoms (OR, 0.60; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.92) compared with the inactive reference category. Null associations were observed in boys. Participants who consistently met the current recommendation of 60 min/day of moderate to vigorous activity both at 7 and 14 years of age experienced the lowest risk of depressive symptoms (OR, 0.55; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.88). CONCLUSION: To prevent depressive symptoms in adolescence, policies to increase physical activity from mid-childhood may have utility

Body mass index · Cohort · Cohort study · Environmental health · Mood · Population · Prospective cohort study · Psychiatry · Socioeconomic status · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Demography · Internal Medicine · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Physical Activity and Health · Gerontology

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