Physical (in)Activity and its Relation to Depression
Goodwin investigated the relationship between lack of
physical activity and depression using data from the National
Co-morbidity Survey (n = 8098), a nationally representative
sample of adults ages 15–54 in the United States [24].
Slightly over one-half of adults reported regular physical
activity (60.3%). Regular physical activity was associated
with a significantly decreased prevalence of current major
depression. Individuals who reported regular physical exercise
were less likely to meet in the previous year criteria for
diagnosis of major depression (8% vs. 13%). The association
between regular physical activity and lower prevalence of
current major depression (OR = 0.75) persisted after adjusting
for differences in socio-demographic characteristics,
physical disorders, and co-morbid mental disorders. Physical
activity also showed a dose–response relation with current
major depression.