Exercise may not prevent depression in teens, study finds

A new study conducted at the University of Cambridge, has demonstrated that there is no association between physical activity and the development of depressive symptoms later in adolescence.

The study approached 736 participants (with an average age 14.5 years) where they were they did a follow-up about three years after baseline. The authors used physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measures.

The physical activity measures were broken into weekday and weekend activity. A self-reported questionnaire measured mood symptoms and an interview was conducted at baseline and three years later.

The authors concluded that no association was found between the levels of physical activity at 14 years of age and depressive outcomes at 17 years of age.