Research Impact: Depression is a prevalent, debilitating, and often recurrent mood disorder for which successful first-line treatments remains limited. Evidence has demonstrated the protective benefits of physical activity for depression; however, little evidence exists regarding associations of meeting the World Health Organisation minimum physical activity guidelines with depression, and whether stronger associations are observed with larger doses of physical activity. This cross-sectional study of 10,000 Irish adults found that meeting recommended levels of physical activity was associated with 44.7% lower odds of elevated depressive symptoms, with stronger associations observed for higher doses of physical activity. This study lends support to the importance of meeting physical activity guidelines for mental health at a minimum.
McDowell CP, Carlin A, Capranica L, Dillon C, Harrington JM, Lakerveld J, Loyen A, Ling FCM, Brug J, MacDonncha C, Herring MP (2018) Associations of Self-Reported Physical Activity and Depression in 10,000 Irish Adults across Harmonised Datasets: a DEDIPAC-study. BMC Public Health. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5702-4 (IF:2.42; Q2: Public, Environmental & Occupational Health – SCIE)
PESS News & Information 