Blood lactate as a biomarker of depression: a comparative study between runners and sedentary people

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to investigate whether recreational running, considered an aerobic exercise, would stimulate blood lactate production, reducing the risk of symptoms of depression. Methods: To accomplish this, we compared the depressive symptoms with the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the intensity of physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and blood samples of the D-lactate assay in two groups of participants who practiced and did not practice street running. Results: The results showed a negative correlation between blood lactate levels and the severity of symptoms of depression. In addition, running volunteers had significant blood lactate levels and low depression scores compared to non-running volunteers. Conclusion: This evidence suggests that street running may reduce symptoms of depression by stimulating blood lactate levels.