Get Moving! Depression Risk Drops with Physical Fitness

Numerous studies have illustrated how physical fitness can greatly improve overall health. A routine exercise plan works to boost energy and control weight fluctuations, but it can also help reduce the risk of depression, according to a recent findings presented at the American Psychological Association's 122nd Annual Convention in Washington, D.C.

"Depression that begins at this time can lead to chronic or recurring depression in later years," said lead study author Camilo Ruggero, PhD, of the University of North Texas, via a news release. "Fitness programs are one way to help prevent depression in middle-schoolers, but schools should also use other interventions, such as one-on-one or group therapy, that more directly address symptom treatment among depressed adolescents."

For the study, researchers interviewed 437 students, 55 percent of whom were girls. All were in the sixth-grade and attended the same middle schools located in North Texas at the beginning of the study period. Researchers also surveyed the children when they entered the seventh and eighth grades--assessing them for fitness levels and symptoms of depression, along with their weight and measurement.

"A student's physical activity level may change from week to week, whereas fitness is a result of more prolonged physical activity," Ruggero said according to the press release. "Assessing the students' body mass index, how well they performed on a shuttle-run test and their own feelings of personal fitness helps to give us a more complete picture of each student's fitness level."

Findings revealed that about 28 percent of female sixth-graders and 29 percent of female seventh-graders showed depression symptoms. For males, another 22 percent of seventh-graders and 19 percent of eighth-graders also dealt with some mental health symptoms. Fortunately, with a proper exercise regimen, many of the participates were able to successfully lower their depression levels.