einstein (São Paulo). 14/mar/2025;23:eAO1128.

Are changes in physical activity associated with depression? A follow-up study of 1,950 individuals

Luana de Lima

Queiroga

, Oskar Grau

Kaufmann

, Raphael Mendes

Ritti-Dias

, Carlos André

Minanni

, Rafael Mathias

Pitta

, Nelson

Wolosker

DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2025AO1128

Highlights

■ Persistently active individuals have strong independent protective factors against depression.
■ BMI (kg/m2) is an independent risk factor for depression.
■ Individuals with depression at follow-up were older than those without depression.
■ Perceived stress is a strong independent risk factor for depression.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate the association between changes in physical activity and depression in 1,950 Brazilians.

Methods:

This follow-up study included 1,950 Brazilians, aged ≥18 years, of both sexes, who participated in a health screening initiative between 2008 and 2022. Physical activity levels were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at baseline and follow-up, and groups related to changes in physical activity were created. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Clinical data and behavioral profiles were also analyzed. Comparative and logistic regression models were used.

Results:

The multivariate analysis demonstrated that persistently active individuals had reduced depression (odds ratio [OR], 0.70, 95%CI= 0.55-0.91, p=0.006). Individuals who became active and those who became less active were not associated with a reduction in depression (respectively, OR= 0.81, 95%CI= 0.63-1.05, p=0.109 and OR= 1.11, 95%CI= 0.82-1.51, p=0.481).

Conclusion:

Persistent activity was an independent, strong protective factor against depression in 1,950 Brazilians. Furthermore, becoming active or less active was not associated with depression in the same population.

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