Relationship between leisure time physical activity, sedentary behaviour and symptoms of depression and anxiety: evidence from a population-based sample of Canadian adolescents

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical and sedentary activities have been identified as potentially modifiable risk factors for many diseases, including mental illness, and may be effective targets for public health policy and intervention. However, the relative contribution of physical activity versus sedentary behaviour to mental health is less clear. This study investigated the cross-sectional association between physical activity, sedentary activity and symptoms of depression and anxiety at age 14–15 in the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY).MethodsRespondents aged 14–15 years between 1996 and 2009 who reported on symptoms of depression in the NLSCY were included (n=9702). Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between physical and sedentary activity and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Joint models including both physical and sedentary activity were also explored. Models were adjusted for sex, ethnicity, immigration status, family income, parental education, recent major stressful life events and chronic health conditions.ResultsThe odds of having moderate and severe symptoms of depression and anxiety compared with no symptoms was 1.43 (1.11 to 1.84) and 1.88 (1.45 to 2.45) times higher, respectively, in physically inactive youth relative to physically active youth. The odds of having moderate and severe symptoms of depression and anxiety compared with no symptoms was 1.38 (1.13 to 1.69) and 1.31 (1.02 to 1.69) times higher, respectively, in sedentary youth relative to non-sedentary youth. In joint models including both physical and sedentary activity, sedentary activity was not consistently associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety.ConclusionsBoth physical inactivity and sedentary activity appear to be significantly related to symptoms of depression and anxiety. The importance of distinguishing these two behaviours has relevance for research as well as policies targeting physical activity and mental health in youth.

<p>Association Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity And Musculoskeletal Disorders, And Perceived Work Ability Among Adult, Middle-Aged And Older Women</p>

“…[1][2][3] Physical exercise can be effective in primary and secondary prevention of chronic diseases (eg, heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, and diabetes), [4][5][6] which are the leading cause of premature death and disability. Numerous studies also confirmed that regular exercise reduces the risk of anxiety and depression, [7][8][9] improves well-being 10,11 and quality of life. [12][13][14] Furthermore, physical activity is indicated as an independent predictor of successful aging.…”

Stress, Anxiety, Depression among Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients in Babol, Iran: A logestic Regression

“…The nurses who exercise and have higher levels of physical activities are less likely to get depression than the nurses who do not exercise and have low levels of physical activities. Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are signi cantly associated symptoms of depression and anxiety (33).…”

Health risks and potential remedies during prolonged lockdowns for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

“…It is now established that social isolation must be regarded as a primary public health concern in the elderly, as it amplifies the burden of neurocognitive, mental, cardiovascular and autoimmune problems, as well as depression and anxiety [52]. Moreover, recent evidence has demonstrated that sedentary behaviors in the youth may also be an important cause of depression and anxiety [53]. As such, self-isolation should be seen as a global healthcare and societal issue.…”