Long-term study links physical activity to lower teen depression

A recent study conducted over several years has revealed that teenagers who maintain or boost their physical activity levels are less prone to developing symptoms of depression. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) monitored 873 participants from ages 6 to 18, utilizing accelerometers to assess their activity levels and conducting clinical interviews to evaluate their mental health.

The study, part of the Trondheim Early Secure Study, provides compelling evidence of the protective effects of physical activity, particularly during the late teenage years. Between the ages of 14 and 18, adolescents who engaged in higher levels of physical activity, especially vigorous exercise, reported fewer depressive symptoms. This correlation highlights the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle during this critical developmental period.

Professor Silje Steinsbekk, who led the research, noted, “Young people who are less physically active over time have an increased risk of developing symptoms of depression.” The study found that teenagers aged 14 to 16 and 16 to 18 experienced the strongest link between increased physical activity and reduced depression risk.

Interestingly, the data also revealed a two-way relationship: teens with higher levels of depression symptoms between ages 10 and 16 tended to become less physically active as time progressed. This suggests that mental health and physical activity influence each other, with depression potentially leading to decreased engagement in exercise.

The researchers measured physical activity levels every two years, employing advanced pedometers worn for seven days to ensure accurate data collection. This thorough approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between physical activity and mental health over time.

The findings indicate that increasing physical activity from the age of 14 can lower the risk of developing depressive symptoms. Steinsbekk emphasized that this protective effect was not observed in younger adolescents aged 10 to 14, where the relationship appeared to reverse; those exhibiting more depressive symptoms were likely to engage in less physical activity.

Furthermore, the study showed no correlation between time spent being sedentary and depression risk, nor were there significant differences in results based on gender. This suggests that promoting physical activity among teenagers could be a vital strategy in preventing depression during their formative years.

The results of this research have been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, contributing valuable data to the ongoing conversation about youth mental health and the role of physical activity.