Associations Between Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Depressive Symptomatology in Adolescents: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

in Journal of Physical Activity and Health

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Chelsea L. Kracht Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5467-0849
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Sai S. Pochana Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

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Amanda E. Staiano Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7846-046X *
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2022-0345
Keywords:
adolescence; accelerometry; mental health; longitudinal
First Published Online:
01 Feb 2023
In Print:
Volume 20: Issue 3
Page Range:
250–257
Restricted access

Background: More moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and less time in sedentary behavior (SB) may protect against poor mental health in adolescence. Depressive symptomatology may also influence adolescents’ own MVPA and SB. The aim of this study was to examine the bidirectional relationship between adolescent MVPA, SB, and depressive symptomatology using a longitudinal approach. Methods: Adolescents (10–16 y) were recruited for a prospective observational cohort. Depressive symptomatology was measured using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. Accelerometry was used to measure MVPA and SB. Adolescents were classified by meeting the MVPA guideline (≥60 min/d) and quartiles of SB time, with the lowest amount of time in SB compared to others. Bidirectional associations between MVPA, SB, and depressive symptomatology were assessed using mixed-effects regression models. Results: At baseline, adolescents (n = 205) were 12.5 (2.0) years, 54.6% women, 59.1% White, and 34.6% African American. In unadjusted models, adolescents with less baseline time in SB had lower follow-up Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire scores, and fewer were classified as depressed at follow-up compared to others. After adjustment, adolescents with less baseline time in SB had lower depressive symptomatology at follow-up. Conclusions: Limiting time spent in SB in adolescence may improve future mental health.

Supplementary Materials

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