Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Among Mothers of School-Aged Children: Differences in Accelerometer-Derived Pattern Metrics by Demographic,Employment, and Household Factors

BackgroundDynamic patterns of how physical activity and sedentary time are accumulated across the day are associated with health outcomes, independent of total activity levels. Individual factors may influence activity patterns in mothers, but these associations are unknown. This study examined multivariable associations between demographic, employment, and household factors and day-level pattern metrics.MethodsMothers (N = 200) of school-aged children (ages 8–12 years) participated in 6 semi-annual 7-day assessments. Waist-worn Actigraph GT3X accelerometers assessed daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; minutes, number of short bouts [<10 minutes], proportion of long bouts [≥20 minutes]) and sedentary time (minutes, number of breaks, proportion of long bouts [≥60 minutes], temporal dispersion). Multilevel models examined associations between individual characteristics and activity metrics.ResultsThere were 4,930 day-level observations. Having a college degree was associated with fewer short MVPA bouts (B = ?2.67), more sedentary minutes (B = 21.66), greater long sedentary bouts (odds ratio = 1.50), and having sedentary time less evenly distributed across the day (B = 0.01). Working full-time was associated with more short MVPA bouts (B = 1.39) and breaks in sedentary time (B = 2.08). Having at least 1 infant (<6 months old) in the same household was associated with fewer MVPA minutes (B = ?0.11) and short MVPA bouts (B = ?4.46), whereas having at least 1 young child (6 months–5 years old) in the same household was associated with fewer sedentary minutes (B = ?11.85) and fewer long sedentary bouts (odds ratio = 0.70).ConclusionsDay-level pattern metrics show differences not captured when examining total volume alone. Results provide more nuanced information as to how activity is accumulated in terms of bouts and breaks, which can inform programs to increase MVPA and reduce sedentary time by elucidating subpopulations that should be targeted by health behavior interventions.     

Symptoms of specific anxiety disorders may relate differentially to different physical activity modalities in young adults

BackgroundAnxiety symptoms may be a barrier to physical activity (PA) such that persons who experience anxiety engage in less PA. The purpose of this study was to assess if symptoms of panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or agoraphobia are associated with frequency, intensity or type of PA in young adults.MethodsData on lifetime anxiety symptoms and current PA levels were collected in self-report questionnaires in 2007–2008 from 880 persons aged 18–24 years participating in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens (NDIT) study. The associations between anxiety symptom subtypes and different PA modalities were investigated in five multivariable logistic regression models, one for each of five PA indicators (i.e., meeting moderate-to vigorous PA (MVPA) guidelines, meeting strength training guidelines, meeting both MVPA and strength training guidelines, participating in team sports, frequent walking) as outcomes.Results37%, 47%, 40% and 21% of participants reported lifetime symptoms of panic disorder, social phobia, GAD, and agoraphobia, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, participants who endorsed lifetime GAD symptoms were statistically significantly less likely to meet MVPA guidelines (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.8, p < 0.05), and MVPA and strength training guidelines (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0, p < 0.05). Those with agoraphobia symptoms were more likely to walk frequently [OR (95% CI) = 1.6 (1.1, 2.3)].ConclusionPA interventions may need to be tailored to people who have experienced specific anxiety symptoms to maximize adherence to PA recommendations, and increase the potential for health benefits from PA participation.     

The association between past and current physical activity and depressive symptoms in young adults: a 10-year prospective study

PurposeThe objectives of this study were to assess (1) the longitudinal associations of past moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and involvement in team sports during secondary school with depressive symptoms in early adulthood, and (2) the cross-sectional associations of current MVPA and involvement in team sports with depressive symptoms during young adulthood.MethodsData were drawn from the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study, which is an ongoing prospective cohort study of 1293 adolescents aged 12–13 years at baseline (52% female). Data analyses involved latent growth curve modeling and multiple hierarchical linear regression models.ResultsCurrent MVPA (β = ?0.12), but not past MVPA, participation was significantly negatively related to depressive symptoms during young adulthood (P < .05). Both current and past involvement in team sports were significantly negatively related to depressive symptoms (β ≥ ?0.09; P < .05); however, these associations were no longer significant (P = .08) when covariates were controlled for.ConclusionsFindings provide insight about the unique associations between the timing and type of physical activity and depressive symptoms, suggesting that physical activity within team sport contexts should be encouraged so that young adults may experience less depressive symptoms.     

Does occupation moderate the association between domain-based physical activity and depressive symptoms?

Our aim was to test the potential moderating role of occupation type in the association between the domains of physical activity and depressive symptoms. We used data of 51,895 adults (44.8% women, 40.7 ± 13.3 years), currently employed, from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Self-reported physical activity (min/week) was assessed in four domains (i.e., leisure-time, transportation, occupational, and household). Type of occupation was characterized into five categories according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations: 1) Managers/qualified professionals, 2) Technicians/associate professionals, 3) Clerks/service workers, 4) Qualified manual workers, 5) Elementary manual workers. Age, ethnicity, educational level, income, and TV-viewing were used as covariates. Poisson regression was used for the analysis of association and moderation, through the inclusion of interaction terms. In the whole sample, leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower depressive symptoms, while transportation, occupational and household physical activity were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Type of occupation modified the association between leisure-time physical activity and depressive symptoms. That is, compared to managers/qualified professionals, leisure-time physical activity had larger associations with increased depressive symptoms in technicians/associate professionals (considering an increase of 100 min/wk of physical activity: unstandardized coefficient [B]:0.073, 95%CI:0.024; 0.121), qualified (B:0.067, 95%CI:0.025; 0.110) and elementary (B:0.065, 95%CI:0.016; 0.115) manual workers than among managers/qualified professionals. Stratified analyzes by occupation suggested that leisure-time physical activity was associated with lower depressive symptoms especially among managers/qualified professionals, while household physical activity and occupational physical activity were consistently associated with higher depressive symptoms across the different occupations. Transportation physical activity was associated with elevated depressive symptoms among clerks/service workers and qualified manual workers. The association between the domains of physical activity and depressive symptoms is dependent on the type of occupation. Future research exploring the association between domain-based physical activity and depression should account for the type of occupation.     

Where Are Adults Active? An Examination of Physical Activity Locations Using GPS in Five US Cities

Increasing physical activity (PA) at the population level requires appropriately targeting intervention development. Identifying the locations in which participants with various sociodemographic, body weight, and geographic characteristics tend to engage in varying intensities of PA as well as locations these populations underutilize for PA may facilitate this process. A visual location-coding protocol was developed and implemented in Google Fusion Tables and Maps using data from participants (N = 223, age 18–85) in five states. Participants concurrently wore ActiGraph GT1M accelerometers and Qstarz BT-Q1000X GPS units for 3 weeks to identify locations of moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) or vigorous (VPA) bouts. Cochran-Mantel-Haenzel general association tests examined usage differences by participant characteristics (sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index (BMI), and recruitment city). Homes and roads encompassed >40% of bout-based PA minutes regardless of PA intensity. Fitness facilities and schools were important for VPA (19 and 12% of bout minutes). Parks were used for 13% of MVPA bout minutes but only 4% of VPA bout minutes. Hispanics, those without a college degree, and overweight/obese participants frequently completed MVPA bouts at home. Older adults often used roads for MVPA bouts. Hispanics, those with ≤high school education, and healthy/overweight participants frequently had MVPA bouts in parks. Applying a new location-coding protocol in a diverse population showed that adult PA locations varied by PA intensity, sociodemographic characteristics, BMI, and geographic location. Although homes, roads, and parks remain important locations for demographically targeted PA interventions, observed usage patterns by participant characteristics may facilitate development of more appropriately targeted interventions.     

The role of physical activity enjoyment on the acute mood experience of exercise among smokers with elevated depressive symptoms

ProblemDepressive symptoms are consistently shown to be related to poor smoking cessation outcomes. Aerobic exercise is a potential treatment augmentation that, given its antidepressant and mood enhancing effect, may bolster cessation outcomes for smokers with elevated depressive symptoms. Lower enjoyment of physical activity may inhibit the acute mood enhancing effects of aerobic exercise. The current study investigated the associations between depressive symptoms, physical activity enjoyment and the acute mood experience from exercise among low-active smokers with elevated depressive symptoms.MethodDaily smokers with elevated depressive symptoms (N = 159; M_age = 45.1, SD = 10.79; 69.8% female) were recruited for a randomized controlled exercise-based smoking cessation trial. Participants self-reported levels of depressive symptoms, physical activity enjoyment, and rated their mood experience (assessed as “mood” and “anxiety”) before and after a standardized aerobic exercise test.ResultsHierarchical regression analysis revealed that depressive symptom severity accounted for significant unique variance in physical activity enjoyment (R² = 0.041, t = −2.61, p = 0.010), beyond the non-significant effects of gender and level of tobacco dependence. Additionally, physical activity enjoyment was a significant mediator of the association between depressive symptom severity and acute mood experience (“mood” and “anxiety”) following the exercise test.ConclusionsPhysical activity enjoyment may explain, at least in part, how depressive symptom severity is linked to the acute mood experience following a bout of activity. Interventions that target increasing physical activity enjoyment may ultimately assist in enhancing the mood experience from exercise, and therefore improve smoking cessation likelihood, especially for smokers with elevated depressive symptoms.     

Physical activity and adolescent smoking: A moderated mediation model

BackgroundResearch has found that physical activity (PA) protects adolescents from smoking initiation and progression, although it is not clear whether all PA is equally protective. Moreover, it is unclear whether the protective effects are direct or indirect through mediating mechanisms (e.g., self-concept, depression symptoms).PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess a sequential mediation model in which moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA) and interscholastic sport participation decrease the likelihood of smoking one year later, indirectly in a sequential pathway through sport competence beliefs (SCB) and depressive symptoms (DS). We were also interested whether interscholastic sport participation or MVPA is most protective, and if males and females differ in the indirect effects.MethodsParticipants were 384 adolescents (55% male, 96% Caucasian) drawn from a public high school in the North East region of the United States, taking part in a two-year prospective study (grades 10–11) evaluating the relationship between 10th grade physical activity and 11th grade smoking in adolescents. We employed a two-group (male versus female) structural equation model (SEM) to test sequential mediation pathways for significance.ResultsOnly interscholastic sport participation (β_{interscholastic sport–SCB–DS–smoking} = −0.05, 95%CI = −0.10, −0.01), not MVPA, had a significant negative sequential indirect effect on adolescent smoking through SCB and DS, but only for males, not females.ConclusionsThe results suggest the effects of interscholastic sport participation on adolescent smoking may depend upon how competent youth feel after participation. Thus, in addition to prescribing organized activity participation, such as interscholastic sport, smoking prevention initiatives could focus on how youth interpret activity experience. Further, the sex difference found suggests that more research is needed to understand what type of organized activity, if any, is most protective for females against smoking.     

Sociodemographic and Lesbian-Specific Factors Associated with Physical Activity Among Adult Lesbians

BackgroundAlthough participation in moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) results in health benefits, the majority of adult lesbians are not sufficiently active. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between sociodemographic factors (age, education level, body mass index [BMI], race, partner status, employment status, annual household income, general health status, diagnosis of chronic conditions, children under 18 years living at home) and lesbian-specific factors (connection with the lesbian community, public identification as a lesbian) to participation in MVPA.MethodsParticipants included 847 self-identified lesbians 18 to 74 years old (M_age = 40.5; SD = 11.6) who completed a 20-minute, web-based survey.FindingsThe binary logistic regression model that included the 10 demographic factors was significantly associated with MVPA, χ² (15, N = 847) = 105.62, p < .001. However, when the two lesbian-specific factors were added, the model did not improve significantly, χ² (2, N = 847) = 5.20, p = .07. BMI and general health status were significantly associated with MVPA (Wald χ² (2) = 19.5, p < .001) and (Wald χ² (4) = 41.2, p < .001). Obese participants had 54.5% lower odds than healthy weight participants to engage in sufficient amounts of MVPA. Participants who reported general health status as excellent compared with those who reported poor had 12.7 times greater odds of engaging in sufficient amounts of MVPA.ConclusionsFuture research should extend on this study by utilizing sampling methods that target the recruitment of lesbian women not actively involved in lesbian-related activities.     

Indirect and direct relations between aerobic fitness,physical activity,and academic achievement in elementary school students

BackgroundThere is evidence to suggest that increasing physical activity (PA) improves academic achievement (AA) in children and that aerobic fitness is associated with both cognitive function and AA. However, it is not known how these variables are interrelated and analyses with adequate control for socioeconomic variables are needed. It was hypothesized that PA would not directly affect AA but would have an indirect effect on AA through its effect on aerobic fitness. The purpose of this study was to test this hypothesized mediation using path analysis.MethodsCross-sectional data including AA, aerobic fitness, and daily PA assessed through accelerometry were collected from a large sample (N = 687) of 2nd and 3rd grade students. Demographic data were assessed via parent self-report.ResultsA total of 401 students wore the accelerometer for at least 10 h on 3 days or more and were included in the final path analysis to evaluate potential relations among PA (predictor), aerobic fitness (mediator), and WIAT-III subtest standard scores (outcomes; i.e., reading, spelling, and mathematics). Findings showed a direct effect of PA on aerobic fitness (b = .009, p < .001) and an indirect effect (mediation) of PA via fitness on math achievement (b = .003, p < .01) after controlling for student's grade, gender, body mass index, mother's education level, and household income, as well as intraclass correlations among classes and schools. Neither PA nor aerobic fitness were correlated with WIAT-III reading or spelling scores.ConclusionsMediation analysis indicated that PA exerted an influence on math achievement through its effects on aerobic fitness but was not associated with reading or spelling achievement scores.     

The association between discrepant weight perceptions and objectively measured physical activity

BackgroundSome individuals perceive themselves as being normal weight, despite having an excess body fat percentage (e.g., underestimate weight). Conversely, other individuals perceive themselves as being overweight, despite having a normal body fat percentage (e.g., overestimate weight). When perceived and actual weight statuses are incongruent, individuals possess a discrepant weight perception. The association between discrepant weight perceptions and engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has not been thoroughly investigated, which was this study's purpose.MethodsFor this cross-sectional study, data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were utilized (N = 5462 adults). MVPA was assessed via accelerometry. Based on measured body mass index and whether participants considered themselves as overweight, underweight, or about the right weight, we classified individuals as accurate perception, overestimate weight (discrepant), or underestimate weight (discrepant). A negative binomial logistical regression was used to assess the association between discrepant weight perception (independent variable) and engagement in MVPA (outcome variable).ResultsFemales who said that they are normal weight, but were in fact overweight based on body mass index, engaged in 13% less MVPA (rate ratio = .87, 95% confidence interval: .769–.999, P = .05). Also, older adults (> 60 yrs) who said that they are normal weight, but were overweight based on body mass index, engaged in 23% less MVPA (rate ratio = .77, 95% confidence interval: .616–.965, P = .025).ConclusionDiscrepant weight perceptions were associated with less objectively measured MVPA. Interventions should take weight perceptions into consideration when designing and evaluating intervention impact.     

Prospective COVID-19 related changes in physical activity and sedentary time and associations with symptoms of depression and anxiety

ProblemThe COVID-19 pandemic is associated with psychological distress. Decreased moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and increased sedentary time may be exacerbating pandemic-related symptoms of anxiety and depression, but existing studies exploring these associations are almost entirely cross-sectional.MethodsReported data from 2018 and Summer 2020 were used to create change categories based on compliance with MVPA guidelines and relative sedentary time. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in Summer 2020. Associations among changes in MVPA and sedentary time (separately and jointly) with psychological distress (total PHQ-4 score) were examined with ordinal logistic regression and associations with depressive or anxiety symptoms were examined with logistic regression.ResultsAmong 2,240 participants (65% women, mean age 57.5 years), 67% increased sedentary time and 21% became inactive between the two time points. After multivariate adjustment, participants who became (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.05–2.78) or remained inactive (OR = 2.07, 1.34–3.22) were more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to those who remained active. Participants who increased sedentary time were also more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared to those who maintained sedentary time (OR = 1.78, 1.13–2.81). Jointly, those who increased sedentary time while remaining (OR = 3.67, 1.83–7.38) or becoming inactive (OR = 3.02, 1.44–6.34) were much more likely to have depressive symptoms compared to the joint referent (remained active/maintained sedentary time). Associations with anxiety symptoms were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThese findings support the value of promoting MVPA and limiting sedentary time during stressful events associated with psychological distress, like the COVID-19 pandemic.     

The effects of 60 minutes of supervised weekly walking (in a single vs. 3–5 session format) on depressive symptoms among older women: Findings from a pilot randomized trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of training frequency on psychological benefits resulting from a walking program among older women with subsyndromal depression.MethodsAll participants were randomly assigned to a 4-week-long self-paced walking program including one (G₁) or three to five (G_3–5) weekly training sessions. They completed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) as a measure of depressive symptoms during the intervention and one month later.ResultsUsing statistics for small-n designs, it appeared that, at the end of the program, a significantly greater proportion of women in G_3–5 reported GDS values below the cutoff score of 10 (i.e., indicative of the absence of any depressive symptoms) compared to women in G₁ (5 of 6 vs. 1 of 6; Φ² = 0.48; p < .05). The GDS scores after treatment were significantly lower than baseline scores in both groups (Z = 2.20; p < .03, and Z = 1.99; p < .05 respectively), but the mean decrease of depressive symptoms was significantly larger in G_3-5 (48.9%) than in G₁ (22.7%).ConclusionBreaking 60 min of weekly walking into shorter periods on 3–5 days a week appears to be more effective to alleviate depressive symptoms in older women with subsyndromal depression.     

Correlates of Physical Activity Engagement among Pregnant Women with Overweight and Obesity

BackgroundExcess weight during pregnancy increases risk for adverse obstetrical outcomes. Physical activity (PA) may buffer these effects, although it is unclear what factors are associated with PA in women who begin pregnancy with overweight/obesity. The present study sought to characterize the demographic and psychological correlates of PA among women with prepregnancy overweight/obesity.MethodsPregnant women (N = 249; mean age, 28.48 ± 5.48 years; mean body mass index, 34.13 ± 7.07 kg/m²) at 12–20 weeks of gestation (mean, 15.68 ± 2.44 weeks of gestation) completed ratings of perceived stress and depressive symptoms and were interviewed using the pregnancy version of the Eating Disorders Examination. The Paffenbarger Physical Activity Survey was administered via interview to estimate energy expenditure. Continuous outcomes were evaluated via linear regression, while logistic regression was conducted to assess likelihood of meeting PA guidelines.ResultsMean weekly duration of moderate to vigorous PA was 109.50 ± 248.17 minutes, with 21% of women meeting federal PA guidelines of 150 minutes or more. Higher perceived stress (β = –0.217; p = .02) and eating psychopathology (β = –0.213; p < .01) were associated with lower total energy expenditure. Black women reported lower expenditure specifically from walking compared with White women (β = –0.180; p = .03). Depressive symptoms were not associated with PA. No estimate of PA predicted body mass index.ConclusionsPregnant women with overweight/obesity engage in modest amounts of PA early in pregnancy, although few meet PA guidelines. Greater perceived stress and eating psychopathology were associated with lower PA engagement. These factors should be monitored by obstetrics providers to identify women who may particularly benefit from counseling about PA during pregnancy.     

Adolescent E-Cigarette Onset and Escalation: Associations With Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms

PurposeWe sought to evaluate if internalizing symptoms (i.e., anxiety and depression) and/or externalizing symptoms (i.e., impulsivity, sensation seeking, and substance use) were risk factors for the onset of 30-day e-cigarette use and escalation in the number of days used across the following 30 months among adolescents.MethodsAdolescents (N = 1,808) from public high schools outside Philadelphia, PA, completed in-classroom surveys at wave 1 (fall 2016, beginning of ninth grade) and at 6-month intervals for the following 30 months (spring 2019, end of 11th grade).ResultsA two-part latent growth curve model of e-cigarette use revealed significant positive associations between externalizing factors, past 30-day e-cigarette use, and the number of days of e-cigarette use only at wave 1 (p values <.05). Cigarette smoking was associated with a slowing in the rate of onset of 30-day e-cigarette use across the 30-month follow-up (β = ?.24, z = ?2.41, p = .02). Depression was associated with an increased rate of escalation in the number of days of e-cigarette use across the following 30 months (β = .01, z = 2.52, p = .01), whereas anxiety was associated with a decreased rate (β = ?.72, z = ?2.36, p = .02).ConclusionsThe findings highlight two groups of adolescents at risk for e-cigarette use: adolescents whose e-cigarette use reflects a higher-risk profile with early e-cigarette onset, and adolescents who have a lower-risk profile, at least initially, with later e-cigarette use onset. The timing and content of prevention efforts should be tailored to each group.     

Temporal Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Cognition in Mid and Late Life: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

ObjectivesTo examine the bidirectional temporal relationship between depressive symptoms and cognition in relation to risk, reaction, and prodrome.DesignCross-lag analysis of longitudinal data collected online at baseline and 12-month follow-up.Setting and ParticipantsA United Kingdom population cohort of 11,855 participants aged 50 years and over.MeasuresPatient Health Questionnaire-9 (depressive symptoms), cognitive measures: Paired Associate Learning, Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Working Memory, and Digit Span.ResultsDepressive symptoms predicted a decline in paired associates learning [β = −.020, P = .013, (95% confidence interval [CI], ‒.036, −.004)] and verbal reasoning [β = −.014, P = .016, (95% CI ‒.025, −.003)] but not vice versa. Depressive symptoms predicted [β = −.043, P < .001, (95% CI ‒.060, −.026); β = −.029, P < .001, (95% CI ‒.043, −.015)] and were predicted by [β = −.030, P = < .001, (95% CI ‒.047, −.014); β = −.025, P = .003, (95% CI ‒.041, −.009)], a decline in spatial working memory and verbal digit span, respectively.Conclusions and ImplicationsDepressive symptoms may be either a risk factor or prodrome for cognitive decline. In addition, a decline in attention predicts depressive symptoms. Clinical implications and implications for further research are discussed.     

Where can they play? Outdoor spaces and physical activity among adolescents in U.S. urbanized areas

ObjectiveTo estimate behavior-specific effects of several objectively measured outdoor spaces on different types of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a large, diverse sample of U.S. adolescents.MethodsUsing data from Wave I (1994–1995) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (U.S., n = 10,359) and a linked geographic information system, we calculated percent greenspace coverage and distance to the nearest neighborhood and major parks. Using sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression, we modeled reported participation in wheel-based activities, active sports, exercise, and ≥ 5 MVPA bouts/week as a function of each outdoor space variable, controlling for individual- and neighborhood-level sociodemographics.ResultsAvailability of major or neighborhood parks was associated with higher participation in active sports and, in females, wheel-based activity and reporting ≥ 5 MVPA bouts/week [OR (95% CI): up to 1.71 (1.29, 2.27)]. Greater greenspace coverage was associated with reporting ≥ 5 MVPA bouts/week in males and females [OR (95% CI): up to 1.62 (1.10, 2.39) for 10.1 to 20% versus ≤ 10% greenspace] and exercise participation in females [OR (95% CI): up to 1.73 (1.21, 2.49)].ConclusionsProvision of outdoor spaces may promote different types of physical activities, with potentially greater benefits in female adolescents, who have particularly low physical activity levels.     

Associations between physical activity and mental health and behaviour in early adolescence

BackgroundWe examined associations between objectively-measured physical activity, depressive-symptoms, and emotional and behavioural difficulties in adolescents from a UK cohort.MethodData from 4755 participants (45% male) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) with physical activity assessed by accelerometry at age 11 was analysed. Indication of depressive symptoms (Short Moods and Feelings questionnaire) were obtained from parental reports at age 11 and self-reports at age 13. Behavioural and emotional problems were assessed by parents and teachers at age 11 and 13 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).ResultsAt age 11, males averaged 29 minutes (SD = 17) of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared with 18 minutes (SD = 12) among females. Higher MVPA at age 11 was associated with decreased depressive-symptoms in females at age 11 after adjusting for confounders. Among males, a positive change in MVPA between the ages of 11 and 13 was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Negative associations were also found between MVPA at age 11 and the emotional symptoms scale of the SDQ at age 11 and age 13 in females. Higher MVPA predicted a decreased score on the hyperactivity subscale of the SDQ at 11 and 13 for both sexes. All effect sizes were small.ConclusionsHigher MVPA was associated with reduced depressive symptoms, behavioural and emotional-difficulties in early adolescence, however the magnitude of effects was small. Efforts to support MVPA in this age group are therefore warranted.     

Objectively measured physical activity and symptoms of psychopathology in general population adolescents from the SIGMA cohort

BackgroundLess physical activity (PA) has been associated with the development of psychopathology in adolescence. Few studies, however, have focused on understanding the nature of the PA – psychopathology relationship and existing research relies mostly on self-report PA measures, which are less reliable. In this study, we investigated the nature of the relationships between objectively measured light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and psychopathology symptoms in adolescents.Methods934 adolescents (63% female) aged 11–19 years from the SIGMA cohort wore the Fitbit Charge 2 measuring LPA and MVPA during at least three days. Participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory-53, assessing general symptoms of psychopathology, depression, anxiety, and psychoticism. Model selection was conducted in a subset of the dataset (n = 464) to determine the best fit. The optimal model was then fitted to the remainder of the dataset (n = 470).ResultsThe results from the selected linear model indicated a non-significant relationship between LPA, MVPA, and symptoms of general psychopathology, depression, anxiety, and psychoticism.ConclusionsThis study does not provide evidence that higher durations of LPA and MVPA alone relate to reduced symptoms of general psychopathology, depression, anxiety, and psychoticism in the general adolescent population. A more integrative approach considering the interdependency of multiple lifestyle factors, as well as the domain, context, and individual experience of PA may add value to the understanding of the PA-psychopathology relationship.     

Associations between physical activity,television viewing and postnatal depressive symptoms amongst healthy primiparous mothers

BackgroundPostnatal depression is a serious illness in new mothers. In the general population, physical activity (PA) has been found to reduce the risk of depression, whilst sedentary behaviour (SB; in particular television viewing) has been linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms, yet little is known regarding associations between PA, SB and postnatal depression. This study aimed to investigate associations between PA, television viewing and postnatal depressive symptoms in healthy primiparous mothers..MethodsCross-sectional survey data were provided by 406 first-time mothers (approximately 3-months postpartum) enrolled in the Melbourne InFANT Extend trial (2012/2013). Women self-reported PA (time spent walking for leisure and transport, and other moderate and vigorous PA), television viewing, and depressive symptoms (CES-D 10). Random intercept linear models examined associations between PA, television viewing and depressive symptoms.ResultsIn crude models total PA was inversely associated with risk of postnatal depressive symptoms (B = −0.122; 95% CI = −0.24, -0.01). In models adjusted for key sociodemographic and behavioural covariates the association did not remain statistically significant. No other associations between PA, television viewing and postnatal depressive symptoms were evident..ConclusionsPostnatal depressive symptoms may not be related to PA and television viewing in the same way that these behaviours predict depressive symptoms in the general population. Further investigation of the specific domains of PA, as well as different types/contexts of SB and their respective associations with postnatal depressive symptoms is warranted in order to better inform development of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing postnatal mental health..     

Associations between physical activity,sedentary time,sleep duration and daytime sleepiness in US adults

ObjectiveTo examine the associations between objectively measured physical activity (PA) or sedentary behavior and self-reported sleep duration or daytime sleepiness in a nationally representative sample of healthy US adults (N = 2128).MethodsWe report analyses of four aspects of sedentary behavior and PA derived from accelerometry data (minutes of sedentary time, activity counts/minute, Minutes of Moderate and Vigorous PA [MVPA], and MVPA in 10-minute bouts) versus self-report of sleep duration and frequency of daytime sleepiness from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.ResultsAge and sex dependence of associations between PA and sleep were observed. Aspects of PA were significantly lower in adults reporting more frequent daytime sleepiness in younger (20–39) and older (≥ 60) age groups, but not in middle-aged (40–59), respondents. In younger respondents, PA increased with sleep duration, but in middle aged and older respondents PA was either unrelated to sleep duration or lower in those reporting ≥ 8 h of sleep. Objectively measured sedentary time showed limited evidence of associations with sleep duration.ConclusionsFurther research delineating the relationships between sleep and PA is important because both activities have been implicated in diverse health outcomes as well as in the etiology of obesity.