Physical Activity Domains,Intensities,and Sedentary Behavior: Associations with Depression in U.S. Adults

Abstract

Purpose

This cross-sectional study examined associations between various physical activity (PA) domains and intensities—recreational vigorous PA (VPA), recreational moderate PA (MPA), work-related VPA, work-related MPA, and transport-related PA—and sedentary behavior with depression, and evaluated whether meeting PA guidelines through these domains and intensities confers comparable protective effects.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

2007-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Subjects

12,488 U.S. adults.

Measures

Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with scores ≥10 indicating clinically significant depression. PA was measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire; sedentary time was self-reported daily sitting hours. Covariates included demographic, lifestyle, and health factors.

Analysis

Weighted logistic regression under a complex sampling design, adjusting for covariates.

Results

Recreational VPA showed the strongest association with lower odds of depression, with each additional hour per week linked to a 3%-5% decrease (P < 0.01). Each additional hour of sedentary time per day was associated with a 3%-5% increase in the odds of depression (P < 0.01). Compared to inactivity, meeting guidelines through recreational VPA was linked to a 65%-79% lower odds of depression (P < 0.01). Recreational MPA or work-related PA was associated with approximately 40% lower odds of depression, whereas transport-related PA showed no significant association.

Conclusions

Recreational VPA was linked to the greatest reduction in the odds of depression, emphasizing the importance of domain and intensity in PA guidelines and the need to limit prolonged sedentary behavior for mental health benefits.